Are you a woman who likes to travel? Do you enjoy swapping travel-related tips and tricks? Do you want to find travel buddies? then join our closed Facebook group, The Ethel On-The-Go, today. You'll love it!
Sunsets are a powerful gift from Mother Nature. Many of us catch a glimpse on our summer vacations and snap a picture on our phones when we see a particularly peaceful or colorful one. According to experts, there is so much more to sunsets than meets (and pleases) the eye.
Yes, friends, sunset therapy is actually a thing, and I am ready for my prescription.
Therapists like Elvis Rosales, LCSW, and Clinical Director at Align Recovery Centers are now recommending that patients with anxiety, depression and increased stress “make it a routine habit to focus on sunrises and sunsets,” he says.
Rosales explains the value of this type of nature therapy is simple: It reminds us that we “are part of a magical and beautiful flow of life.” It keeps us grounded, stills our minds and evokes gratitude. A healing sunset “fills our psyches with images that cause the body to release a host of delicious hormones and neurotransmitters such as oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin.” In short, he says, “They imbue a sense of awe, which decreases our stress and elevates our mood.”
Girlfriends, it’s time for less Netflix and more sunsets!
Where does one go for a dose of Mother Nature’s best therapy? While you can enjoy the benefits and beauty of a sunset from anywhere, there are some hidden gems. Here are four spots that boast the best sunset views — in environments that are potentially healing, too.
Beachside Sunset Celebration: Gumbo Limbo, Naples, Florida
If you’re lucky enough to get to Naples, Florida, you owe it to yourself to visit the renowned outdoor restaurant, Gumbo Limbo. It’s located on-site at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples and is open to resort guests and the general public. Situated on a pristine and secluded beach, Gumbo Limbo celebrates the sunset each day with a “sunset clock” that displays the exact time of the sun’s daily departure. The Ritz-Carlton team also picks a family of the day (usually resort guests with heartwarming backstories) to ring the “sunset bell,” situated on the deck overlooking the ocean. After a group countdown, diners and resort guests can be seen clinking their glasses as the bell tolls. This community experience and celebration add an additional healing dimension to the sunset view from Gumbo Limbo. Get there early, try a martini or margarita and be sure to order Chef Torres’ world-famous Lobster Quesadillas for the ultimate experience.
Against a Gorgeous Landscape: The Flint Hills, Kansas
Most people picture tornadoes and the Kansas City Chiefs when they think of Kansas, but if you have had the pleasure of visiting the Flint Hills, you also know the Sunflower State’s sunsets are quite unique. There’s something about the open landscape, wildlife and wildflowers that form a backdrop to the fiery sky of their sunsets. In fact, according to an article in The Wichita Eagle, the Flint Hills were recognized as one of the seven best places in the world to watch sunsets — and there are plenty of pictures to prove it. While you’re in the Flint Hills region, head to the scenic overlook not too far from Cottonwood Falls for a great view. And since you’ve made it there, you might want to stay for a few sunsets. Plenty of nature healing awaits as Flint Hills is one of the world’s last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems, consisting of alternating layers of limestone and shale. It is great for bird watching, too.
Along the Lake — Campfire Style: Clayton, New York
Located in the romantic and beautiful 1,000 Lakes Region, this quaint town lies along the St. Lawrence River and offers a peaceful and serene sunset experience that is sure to heal you — even if only for a moment. There are plenty of great spots in town along the river where you can drop a blanket and take it all in. If you are overnighting it, the 1,000 Islands Harbor Hotel offers the perfect outdoor oasis for some quiet sunset healing. You can find a peaceful (read: not over-crowded) spot in an Adirondack chair by the hotel’s firepits, toast up some s’mores or stroll by the river. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of a picturesque boat or two as the sun sets.
After a Hike: Picacho Peak State Park, Arizona
If you find yourself in Arizona, you’ll also find healing sunsets. Wherever you are when the sun makes its daily descent, you are sure to get a spectacular view and some nature therapy. Picacho Peak State Park offers a variety of hiking trails for different skill levels. If you are the adventurous (and experienced) type, trek to Picacho Peak and try the moderate to challenging Sunset Vista Trail with its breathtaking vistas. If you prefer a more stationary healing experience, there are plenty of restaurants and bars that provide great views.
Of course, the best place to practice sunset therapy is in the comfort of your hometown, where you can make it a part of your daily routine. Let every sunset serve as a reminder that no matter what life throws you, there’s beauty and peace in each and every day.
What spot is missing from this list? Let us know in the comments below.
