EssentialsSample

Spending just 20 minutes outside in nature is proven to lower your cortisol levels. That is the hormone that creates stress in our bodies and minds. It’s weird to think that something so small can do so much to help us out. That’s because our bodies and minds were made to need rest.

The small things that we do each day can have big effects over time. Psalms like this one don’t just suggest rest—they tell us that God leads us to it. We weren’t meant to be constantly stressed or overworked. Small habits, like taking a break, can make a huge difference in our well-being. If God values rest, it makes a lot of sense that things like being in nature naturally help our bodies and minds.

This week, take a walk outside. Pay attention to how you feel before and after. Notice the small things—the way the trees move, the feel of the air, or the sounds around you.