You’re probably hearing more of human rewilding lately but are clueless as to what it is exactly. Although not everyone is aware of this concept, but it is starting to become the latest trend for those who want to go on a digital detox. But what exactly is it?
What is Human Rewilding?
Rewilding, according to Lisa B. Nelson, MD, who is the Director of Medical Education of Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, is the term often used in nature conservatory which refers to letting land go back to its original state to help it restore, rebalance, and repair the ecosystems that were under threat. When associated with humans, it simply works as a reminder for us to go back to our natural state where our focus is on our needs as well as natural resources that we have been relying on during ancient times. Human rewilding is actually a good practice to help restore and repair ourselves as well. Studies on human rewilding done in Germany, Japan, and South Korea showed that those who were placed in a natural environment experienced low blood pressure, lower heart rate, as well as less anxiety, with improved overall sense of well-being.
How Human Rewilding Works?
The Human Rewilding Movement actually goes back to teaching humans basic skills that our ancestors developed during the early years from making your own tools, to hunting your food, and learning how to forage as well just to name a few. Of course, if you’re living in the city, it’s not easy to dispose of all the modern contraptions we’ve surrounded ourselves with, but this doesn’t mean that you can do your own human rewilding.
Bringing a bit of the wild into your life can be something simple as going on regular hikes during the weekends, and being more observant of your surroundings, from the sound of the wind brushing against the leaves, to the sound of the wild without using your smart gadgets. If you are willing to take your rewilding experience to the next level, you can attend survival classes to learn a thing or two on how to survive in the wild using primitive tools just like what our ancestors did.
Human Rewilding Exercises to Try
The idea of going back to nature is quite appealing especially when the hustle and bustle of our busy lives can cause a lot of stress to us to the point that we are experiencing anxiety. That said, you’re probably wondering whether there are any human rewilding exercises that you can do to help get back to your natural state. Fortunately, there are a few and these are:
Challenge bowl
One exercise that you can do for your human rewilding exercise is to create a bowl filled with challenges. Write down exercises or challenges like meditate for 10 minutes, walk in the park for 20 minutes, or even eat raw vegetable just to name a few. You can even bring it to your office and using challenges that can be done during your lunch break to integrate a bit of rewilding even when you are busy in the office.
Start a fire
There is something primal about being able to start a fire on your own, without the use of matches or lighter. Being able to start a fire the old way, with flint or with sticks will not only give you a sense of accomplishment, but a sense of peace too as you gaze into the dancing flames before you. Be mindful, however, to avoid leaving the fire unattended as it might grow big in a flash.
Listen
You don’t have to be in the forest to start listening to your surroundings. Even when you are living in the city, you can actually start listening to what your world is saying to you. Go by your window and listen to the sounds of the vehicles below you, the wind rattling your windows, or even the sound of birds overhead in the morning. Just listening to these sounds can be a relaxing way for you to release the stress that you are feeling. If you are able to get out of the busy city that you live in, and manage to head to the beach or a forest even, stop and listen to the sound of the waves, or the chirping birds and other sounds of wildlife around you.
Unplug
We are always relying on our gadgets the moment that we wake up until the time we go to bed that it is almost impossible to find ourselves without them. But when it comes to human rewilding, you will need to learn how to unplug yourself from technology from time to time to help reduce sleep interruptions and the like. Stop using your phone an hour before you go to bed so that you will be able to enter a calm and relaxed state to make you sleep easily. Remove any digital devices in your bedroom as well such as your digital alarm clock and your TV because the blue light can interfere with your sleep.
Take classes
Like it was mentioned before, taking classes on how to survive the wild is one way to learn how human rewilding. For sure there are classes within your community that offer survival classes that will teach you how living in the wild works.
