Humans Outside Amy Bushatz

Florence Williams has learned a thing or two about making the most of what you have right outside your door and the tools you already possess to do so. Since Florence, author of “The Nature Fix,” literally wrote the book on how going outside creates positive impacts on our mental health and wellbeing, that’s really saying something.
I learned about Florence before we even started going outside every day. It was her book, published shortly before we knew we were looking for it, that gave us the 20 minute daily goal. We are so honored that she gave some of her time to share her latest lessons in exactly how you can harness the power of nature for your health, happiness and mental well-being.
Some of the good stuff:
[2:05] Florence William’s favorite outdoor space
[3:14] Why she started writing about outdoor benefits
[5:16] Why going outside makes us feel good
[8:01] Why going outside is good for your brain
[10:26] Why going outside helps trauma
[16:36] Why finding what speaks to you is important
[19:05] Why tuning in matters
[21:24] The difference between “seeking” and “available”
[23:48] Why many doctors love drugs and ignore nature
[25:49] How to find awe in what’s right outside your door
[35:30] Florence’s favorite and most essential gear
[36:47] Florence’s favorite outdoor moment
Connect with this episode:
Read (or listen to) The Nature Fix, by Florence Williams
Listen to The 3-Day Effect on Audible
Read Florence William’s website
Follow Florence Williams on Instagram
Like Florence William’s Facebook author page
Follow Florence Williams on Twitter

I used to hear friends talk about the crazy wonderful things they were spotting outside and wonder how it was I was missing out. Why didn’t I see that stuff? Were they trying harder? Going places I didn’t want to go? Getting up in tbe middle of the night to do it?

And then one day I stumbled upon their secret by accident. And now that I’ve figured out the trick to seeing wonders outside, I just can’t stop.
It’s not that hard It doesn’t take any extra work It does take intention Listen now!
Connect with this episode:
Join the Humans Outside Challenge
Follow Humans Outside on Instagram
Follow Humans Outside on Facebook
Some of the good stuff:

[00:35] Yes, I’m an early riser
[01:32] This morning experience changed my perspective
[02:12] All I had to do was take this step
[02:31] Yes, I missed stuff
[03:03] But now I see this stuff, too

When was the last time you thought about the way learning to notice and navigate changing seasons affects how you view your indoor life?
One of the best things about spending a lot of time outdoors is how it prompts you to pause and see how the world is shifting day by day. Are you ready for it? Are you taking it as it comes?
No matter how you approach the shift in seasons, one thing is certain: getting used to changes outdoors can teach you a thing or two about changes indoors.
 Getting okay with growth  Noticing when it's coming  Embracing what it brings Listen to this episode of Humans Outside now!
Connect with this episode:
Join the Humans Outside Challenge
Follow Humans Outside on Instagram
Follow Humans Outside on Facebook
Some of the good stuff:

[00:35] Here’s a highly philosophical observation about the sun
[01:28] We’ve got some signs of spring up in here
[02:31] Let’s get aware of seasons
[03:11] No solar eclipse here, but we do have seasons changing
[03:29] There’s sun and I’m not mad about it
[04:00] Just over here learning from nature for my inside life, once again

Ready for solo adventure? Feeling safe?
Getting out there by yourself can feel like a real safety risk. I absolutely love going out alone, but I know it comes with pros and cons. 
But it doesn't mean I don't go. It just means I go empowered.
Nicole Snell, a safety expert and owner of Girls Fight Back who specializes in self-defense in the outdoors, has a different idea. In this episode she shares her best tips and tricks to empower you to get into nature solo while also staying safe. 
Hear Nicole talk about staying stafe outside in this "best of" episode.
Connect with this episode:
Visit Nicole Snell’s website
Visit Nicole’s Girls Fight Back website
Watch Nicole’s Outdoor Defense YouTube series (it’s really good!)
Book a one-on-one session with Nicole
Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn
Follow Nicole and Girls Fight Back on Facebook
Follow Nicole on Instagram
Follow Girls Fight Back on Instagram
Join the Humans Outside Challenge
Follow Humans Outside on Facebook
Follow Humans Outside on Instagram



Some of the good stuff:
[4:06] Nicole Snell’s favorite outdoor space
[4:52] How Nicole became someone who likes to go outside
[7:16] How she got into self-defense
[14:05] Why people (often women) feel unsafe alone outside
[20:12] What self-defense tools should people use?
[26:54] What we mean when we say “use your words.”
[28:55] Why she didn't say “I’m sorry” 
[31:57] The role of intuition
[37:41] How to make the outdoors more safe for everyone
[41:10] Top three tips for self-defense in nature
[44:41] Nicole’s favorite outdoor memory 
 

 
When did you last hug a tree? I mean literally, actually hug a tree?

Yeah, I know it sounds weird, but hang with me, because this silly thing has been recharging and reshaping how I feel about heading outside.
Listen now!   
 
Connect with this episode:
Join the Humans Outside Challenge
Follow Humans Outside on Instagram
Follow Humans Outside on Facebook
Listen to Alastair Humphrey’s episode on Humans Outside
Listen to my episode about my scary Grand Canyon trip
 
Some of the good stuff:
[00:35] Tree Hugging as Gratitude
[01:20] Grounding Experience of Tree Hugging
[01:41] Winter Contrast and Appreciation in Seattle
[02:49] Monthly Sit Spot Reflection 
[03:08] Observations and Gratitude for Trees
[04:36] Emotional and Sensory Connection with Nature
 

The changing of seasons is the perfect time to look around for signs of changing life outside.
But what if instead of just seeing the signs, you looked at them as encouragement for your day? What if you saw them as symbols of hope that you can take with you or find whenever you need a little push through your day?

What would you choose?
How would it help you?
Learn about my chosen symbol in this episode of Humans Outside. Listen now!
Connect with this episode:
Join the Humans Outside Challenge
Follow Humans Outside on Instagram
Follow Humans Outside on Facebook
Some of the good stuff:
[:35] Signs of spring and easter
[1:19] Here’s where I see new life in nature
[1:58] Excuse me winter, please leave permanently
[2:21] Here’s some personal symbols I see
[2:48] Why I look to the birds
[4:12] And why you should find your own symbols