Returning to the Rhythms of Nature
Humans evolved over the course of millions of years as part of the animal kingdom. As time went on and as modern Homo sapiens emerged, we began to live as hunters, foragers, and semi-agrarian people.
Like all other animal species, we developed symbiotically with the natural world:
We woke with the sunrise and fell asleep as night fell…
We labored diligently in the spring and summer months…
We rested, planned, and prepared in the winter…
Now, amidst our technologically-advancing world, captivating pull of digital screens, blinding artificial lights, and the relentless pace of life have all but severed our connection to these natural rhythms.
Our minds and bodies, however, still yearn to be connected...
Photography by Erica at Calming Captures
"To forget how to dig the earth and tend the soil is to forget ourselves."
—Mahatma Gandhi
There are a handful of natural rhythms that have been studied, including ultradian, circadian, diurnal, tidal, lunar, infradian, and circannual rhythms.
Circadian rhythms are our internal biological clock, regulating 24-hour cycles that align with the Earth's rotation. Healthy circadian rhythms regulate sleep, digestion, hormone secretion, and body temperature, and reconnecting with these natural cycles is a major key to optimizing mental health and overall well-being…
Consider our sleep-wake cycle:
When the sun rises in the morning, light enters our eyes and signals the production of cortisol, a hormone that helps us wake up and become alert. As temperatures rise, our body becomes more active and engaged.
When the sun sets in the evening and light no longer reaches our eyes, our brains begin to produce melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. Cooler temperatures signal the body to wind down and prepare for rest.
These external signals such as light and temperature are known as zeitgebers — German for "time-givers." They help regulate and synchronize the body's internal biological rhythms. Other zeitgebers include social interaction, food intake, sound, and physical activity.
So, to feel our best on a day-to-day basis, we can entrain our bodies and minds with these zeitgebers…
"We inter-breathe with the rain forests; we drink from the oceans. They are part of our own body."
—Thích Nhất Hạnh
Entrainment refers to the process of aligning our internal biological rhythms with natural external signals (zeitgebers).
By entraining our internal clocks with these cues, we support hormone regulation, mood, energy levels, digestion, metabolism, immune function, and overall mental and physical health. (Click here for the science.)
Here are some ways we can synchronize with the natural rhythms of the planet:
Slow down. Simplify your routine.
Wake up and go to sleep at the same times every day.
Eat meals at the same times every day.
Embrace a morning routine…
Wake up just before the sun
Feel the sun on your skin
Exercise at the same time every morning
Spend daily time immersed in nature
Consider taking an early-afternoon siesta.
Embrace a nighttime routine…
Get off your phone.
Avoid blue light — Utilize red/orange spectrum light at nighttime.
Carve out time to wind down before sleeping — embrace stillness, silence, and reflection.
Take time to look at the stars — they’re beautiful.
"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
All in all, embracing a daily routine is essential for optimizing mental and physical well-being.
By firmly establishing ourselves in the rhythms of Nature, we further build a sense of inner stability. In turn, we begin to reclaim our sense of autonomy and focus amidst a society which is often anxious and distracted.
We truly become pillars of clarity and resilience amidst rapid technological change.
It all begins with reconnecting with the natural world.
May we return to the rhythms of Nature, re-attune ourselves to her rhythms, and embrace lives that are intertwined with her endlessly generous ecosystems.
Max Kristopher Komes
www.MaxKomes.com
Max Komes is a master’s-level mental health professional in Pensacola, Florida. His philosophy is that each and every individual holds wellsprings of wisdom within them, and with the right tools, can access this wisdom to live purposeful, healthy, and resilient lives.
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This writing is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have imminent health concerns, please call 1-800-NAMI.
