Troubling times seem to be around the corner just about every time we turn our backs these days, leaving us wary of what lies ahead. Why risk anything when it could hurt us just as much as it could benefit us? As often as these thoughts plague us, it is important that we take the time to cool down once in a while.

Get outside, leave your worries, and take a walk.

Nature is beautiful, nature is calming, and nature is unending. There really isn't much debate to it. Throughout more recent years, I have often found myself taking off on long walks (as long as the weather is welcoming), sometimes just around my neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods, but eventually, to the woods located behind my home. You never know exactly what you're going to find in nature, but it's always an adventure because you know that whatever it is, it will be something new.

There's something so natural about exploring the wild world God created, something that you can't seem to get any other way.

It helps to have some good tunes on standby.

Obviously, going on these walks with friends or family is a great idea and one that I encourage, but they aren't always going to be available, and it's okay to want some alone time. When you take a walk through the woods alone, it can be even more engaging if you bring some headphones along and have a soft playlist going on in the background.

That being said, that should be about the extent of phone usage while you're out. You wouldn't want it to be too much of a distraction away from the entire reason you're out there, which is to take a break from the craziness of the world.

There's more to explore than just the woods themselves.

It's probably easier to find a forest to explore than it is to visit other areas, but the idea here is to experience nature as a whole. It should go without saying, then, that there are many options at your disposal. If you're on vacation or happen to live in an exotic location, walks along the beach can never go wrong. When you live in a mountainous region like we do here at Liberty University, hiking in the mountains is another great way to get your fill of nature.

Whichever location you may choose, keep in mind the entire reason you felt you needed a break. Allow yourself to process whatever it was, whether you had some kind of deep emotional attack or whether you're simply a little stressed about classes piling up. I can sympathize with either, and both can be aided by this.

Take the time to process it, but don't dwell on it. You're doing this for a breather, not as an excuse to overthink yourself into exhaustion. Just take a few steps into the beauty of nature and simply allow it to work its magic on you.