Nature, Mindfulness & Digestion: Why This Winter Escape Might Be Exactly What You Need

Nature, Mindfulness & Digestion: Why This Winter Escape Might Be Exactly What You Need

It’s no secret that time in nature feels good—but did you know it could be the missing piece in your mental and digestive health?

In a world of screens, schedules and stress, our bodies—especially our guts—take a hit. The nervous system goes into overdrive, digestion suffers, and it’s hard to feel calm, let alone well. That’s where nature comes in.

A powerful 2020 meta-analysis (Bettmann et al., 2020) explored the effects of nature and mental health across 78 studies. It found that even as little as 10 minutes outdoors—especially when repeated regularly—can have a positive, significant impact on adults with symptoms of mental illness. And here’s the kicker: regular, shorter exposures (what they call “interval nature exposure”) were more effective than one-off big outdoor experiences.

The study looked at time spent in actual natural environments—parks, forests, beaches—and found that benefits began within minutes, improving mood, reducing stress, and even helping those with diagnosed mental health conditions. Plus, the magic continues to grow when people consistently spend up to 600 minutes a week outdoors. That’s just over an hour a day.

And it’s not just your mind that benefits.

Because your gut and brain are connected through the vagus nerve, stress messes with your digestion. Mindfulness, fresh air, and connection to the Earth help to shift the body out of “fight or flight” and back into the rest and digest state—where real healing happens.

That’s exactly why our upcoming Winter Escape in Hill River, Jurien Bay is centred around nature, digestive health, and mindfulness.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Daily time in nature (yes, even if it’s cold—hello campfire vibes!)
  • Gentle, nourishing food to support your gut
  • Breathwork and grounding practices
  • A small, sacred circle of women (only 6 spots total)
  • And time to just be—no hustle, no expectations

Spots are 50% sold already.
✔ Our Double Room is gone
✔ 1 Camping Spot taken
✔ Only 2 rooms remain:

  • The Main Room with Queen bed + private ensuite
  • The Queen Room (shared bathroom)

Whether you’re feeling burned out, bloated, or just need a breather from life—you deserve this.

Nature is medicine. Let it work its magic on your mind and your belly this winter.

👉 Join us for the Winter Escape – only 3 places left – Winter Escape to Hill River, Jurien Bay

References: Bettmann, J.E., Speelman, E., Jolley, A., & Casucci, T. (2020). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effect of Nature Exposure Dose on Adults with Mental Illness.

Is Vegan Skincare The Best?

Is Vegan Skincare The Best?

by | Apr 1, 2025 | , | 0 Comments

Is Vegan Skincare Really the Best? Let’s Talk… When I first took over Verissima, way back in 2009, I never set out to create vegan skincare. My focus? Honest, natural, and toxin-free products that truly support your wellbeing. Then, a few years later, a friend asked,...

Is Vegan Skincare The Best?

Is Vegan Skincare The Best?

Is Vegan Skincare Really the Best? Let’s Talk…

When I first took over Verissima, way back in 2009, I never set out to create vegan skincare. My focus? Honest, natural, and toxin-free products that truly support your wellbeing.

Then, a few years later, a friend asked, “Nat, is your skincare vegan?” and I had to stop and think.

You see, Verissima was originally formulated by a certified Aromatherapist & Gestalt Therapist—every product crafted with purpose, blending nature’s pantry into healing remedies. But “vegan” wasn’t part of the plan… at least, not intentionally.

So I took a deep dive. I pored over every recipe, every ingredient. What I found? Out of our 23 products, only 5 contained a single animal-derived ingredient—certified organic beeswax. That’s it. No hidden nasties, no animal testing, just pure ingredients designed to support you and the planet.

I get why some choose 100% vegan skincare. The commercial bee industry can be brutal, and factory-farmed bees suffer (which, honestly, breaks my heart). That’s why we only source our beeswax from a local Certified Organic apiarist who puts the wellbeing of their bees first. These little legends aren’t trapped in boxes or force-fed sugar water—they roam free, pollinating where nature intended.

You see, I discovered a few years back, that some company’s factory farm bee’s. What the? Yes, according to People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) “…Factory-farmed bees are denied their hardwired, instinctual desire to seek out nearby flowers and plants to pollinate…”.

I was rather happy to know I was not supporting that culture. I know the apiarist we source from personally, and I know they drive hundreds of kilometres, at different times of the year, to where their hives are located because they work with nature, with what flowers are in season. Rather than sticking all the bees in a factory they have hives amongst the natural ecosystems, and they travel to them.

I’m not even sure if that practise occurs in Australia, I hope not.

I also found out that “…bees won’t urinate or defecate in their hives, they are forced, while trapped inside boxes, to “hold it.” Many bees—and sometimes entire colonies—die from this ordeal”. I was beginning to understand the importance of vegan skin care.

So not being allowed out into the world has dire consequences. Omg! Imagine if we were made to hold it, no thanks!

And I’m acutely aware of the pests and diseases that bees are prone to. If a hive were found to be infested, they are burned or sprayed with toxic chemicals to kill off the pest or disease. I do understand why products with beeswax or honey is frowned upon by vegans.

So, is vegan skincare the best? That’s up to you. What I do know is that Verissima stands for ethical, sustainable, and effective skincare that supports your health, without harming the planet. And I reckon that’s something worth celebrating.

Check out our 100% vegan products here: Verissima’s Vegan Creations

Are you team vegan skincare, or just looking for clean, conscious products that work? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us a comment below.

 

 

Is Vegan Skincare The Best?

Is Vegan Skincare The Best?

by | Apr 1, 2025 | , | 0 Comments

Is Vegan Skincare Really the Best? Let’s Talk… When I first took over Verissima, way back in 2009, I never set out to create vegan skincare. My focus? Honest, natural, and toxin-free products that truly support your wellbeing. Then, a few years later, a friend asked,...