MY PERFECT DAY
It’s still somewhat chilly outside, but the sun is shining on my bed, and I hear the birds giving a magnificent concert. I’m camping with my campervan. I bought this campervan back in 2016 when they were not yet so popular. After many trips in Europe, I actually started to feel less welcome as a wild camper.
I discovered the campsites in the Netherlands. You usually have to book these a few weeks in advance, but then you can find lovely spots. I often think about which part of the Netherlands I would like to explore and then find a nature campsite there. This time, I ended up in South Limburg. “A bit like France,” I thought. The reason I’m writing this blog is to share what a few days of camping looks like for me. I make sure that every day includes a few essentials: 1. Rest. 2. Exercise in nature. 3. Something useful.
Rest
For me, rest is all about calming my nervous system. Engaging my parasympathetic nervous system instead of the sympathetic nervous system, which unfortunately is so frequently activated in our Western society. Read my blog about the sympathetic versus the parasympathetic nervous system here. How to engage them works slightly differently for each person. Yet, it all interrelates. For me, the most important thing is that it is quiet somewhere; I prefer dead silence with only natural sounds. Natural sounds are sacred to me because I immediately feel at peace with them. I notice my energy moving down from my head to my body. This is not mystical; it can be scientifically explained. Besides the sound, I also take rest myself. The need to do things makes way for the freedom to choose. I sleep in, read a lot, make delicious breakfasts, and lounge in my hammock. If my mind tells me I should do something, I thank it but say that this is now more important.
Exercise in Nature
Exercise is scientifically proven to be good for mental health for various reasons, stemming from both physiological and psychological mechanisms. These include the production of the ‘happiness hormone’ endorphin and the breakdown of the ‘stress hormone’ cortisol. Being in nature also has a therapeutic effect. Read more about this in my blog about the healing power of nature. After a few hours of rest, or perhaps after a day of resting, I personally always feel like moving again. I often go running, map out a route beforehand, and leave my phone at home. Or I plan a hiking route if there’s a forest nearby. Cycling is also one of my favorites; I often cycle to a destination, like a Tea Garden for a delicious cappuccino. I use the Cycle Junction app for this; it’s a bit old-fashioned, but definitely a recommendation in this cycling country!
Something Useful
This one is a bit tricky because there is a bit of ‘must’ involved. Yet, you can also derive a lot of satisfaction from ‘something useful,’ as it involves achieving a goal, no matter how small. This could be finishing that one book or doing some work on the laptop that you enjoy but usually don’t get around to and now can. It can also mean catching up on social contacts. In other words, doing something enjoyable that makes you happy and gives you a sense of accomplishment.
For me, doing something useful combined with rest and exercise in nature is the perfect combination. If I apply this for a few days, I really return as a different person. It’s probably my personal hormone cocktail that works well for me. Yet, I don’t write this blog just to share my own experience; it’s also to inspire. This cocktail applies to many of us. The parasympathetic nervous system is engaged, stress levels are down, the body has moved, sleep quality will definitely improve, and happiness hormones are also stimulated through a sense of fulfillment. All of this combined with exploring a new environment, getting away from daily routines, and a dose of fresh air is my perfect day.