The Special Vitamin You Might Be Missing

Even though I walk my dog 2-3 miles a day, there are times that I'm just not feelin it. I usually muster, put my sneakers on and commit to a short stint in the 'hood...

I head out, each foot feeling like it weighs a hundred pounds as I trudge up the big hill. I make my way around the corner and veer into the field because I know Dallas will be happy with even a quick zoom around the grassy knolls that skirt the reservoir.

The grass, dotted with yellow buttercups is beginning to grow tall-- the path cut into it a curvy invitation to the quiet world of silent swans and soaring bald eagles. With the trees still just beginning to bear new Spring leaves, I can clearly see the still water up ahead. Berry bushes rustle with the secret activity of busy squirrels and field mice. A monarch butterfly flutters near us, guiding us through our journey from one field to the next as if in an animated Disney classic. (I'd sing to it but that would scare any living creature away and I kind of like the escort).

When we've looped the first field once and started the trek into the second, I realize that I haven't noticed my heavy feet at all. My breathing is slow and even. I've paused once or twice to drink in the contrast between the blue sky, the wavy green fields and whatever new blooms have popped up in the last few days. I am filled with delight, springing with new energy. Inevitably, I tromp through all three fields, wind up on the road and take the long loop through the surrounding area and back to the house.

This happens even when the weather is cold and crappy. It is nothing short of a transformation. It is the power of Vitamin "N," a.k.a, Nature.

It's pretty easy to get lost in our own little world of to-dos and obligations. We have emails to answer, houses to clean, errands to run. We can go the whole week staring at what's in front of us and completely miss what's around us. When you do that there are so many things you're missing out on, and they have real, tangible benefits to your health. Here are a few reasons why you need to get your Vitamin N -- as often as possible:

Nature heals. It actually promotes positive physiological changes in your body. Your heart rate and blood pressure come down. Your breathing slows. Your mind even quiets so you can really take in the details of your environment. Why does this work? The earth's surface has a negative charge. When your skin comes in contact with it-- say, you kick off your shoes and stroll in the grass-- the negative ions enter your body and neutralize the positive charge that our electronics, toxins and other non-productive lifestyles factors give us. Studies show this type of grounding reduces inflammation, lowers high blood pressure, relieves muscle tension, expedites wound healing, improves sleep and even helps you focus. That's a huge tradeoff for some dirty feet!

Nature calms. It puts you in a state of rest and digest. One of the reasons it lowers biomarkers like pulse and blood pressure is that it switches your body out of an emergency nervous system response to a restful one. Most of us walk around constantly stressed out worrying about jobs, family and other demands. Day after day, this elicits a physical stress response in your body. Your sympathetic nervous system kicks in and stays engaged, where it would usually engage at the first sign of danger and then stand down when the threat has passed. Your body is flooded with adrenaline and other stress hormones, which, long-term, can be corrosive to your system. Grounding, or "earthing" stops the flow of stress hormones and engages your parasympathetic nervous system--your body's rest and digest mode. This is where normal body functions like digestion, reproduction and even sleep can happen optimally. If you suffer from disruptions in any of these areas, consider implementing de-stressing techniques such meditation and grounding to flip the switch on your stress response and give your body a much needed break.

Nature elevates It lifts your mood and brightens your outlook. Outside time, pictures of nature and even having plants have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and increase psychological well-being. Not only does venturing out calm your mind and body, but it also triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, your body's feel-good chemicals. People who regularly spend time in nature describe themselves as calmer, happier and more connected.

Don't just let me or even the studies tell you, see for yourself. Take some time to explore nature this week and note how it makes you feel. Are you a little calmer afterwards? Did it brighten your mood? For a little added fun, download this free Nature Checklist and try to accomplish as many items as you can. Want to kick it up a notch? Sign up for the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge (here's a really cool tracker from the challenge site). Take tons of pics and be sure to share your favorite outside experiences in the comments below.