There is something so soothing, yet so deeply energising and restorative, about being in nature.
We depend on mother nature for our survival and wellbeing every single day of our lives, from our food and water, to our shelter and medicine.
Countless studies have shown that the health and wellness benefits of being in the great outdoors are boundless.
A woodland walk boosts our immune system, lowers our blood pressure, and reduces our symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.
Japanese doctors have been prescribing 'Shinrin-yoku', or 'Forest Bathing', for years as a treatment for a variety of medical conditions and ailments.
For more on this, read my piece for the Creative Countryside Journal here.
Being in the beauty of nature allows us to experience awe and wonder for free. These emotions boost our mental, emotional and physical states, and we can experience them whenever we want to by opening our eyes to the natural world that surrounds us.
Experiencing nature allows us to connect our inner and outer worlds, helping us to feel a sense of connection to all living things.
So let's embrace the wilderness, and bring the outdoors in...
Fill your home with plants
Surrounding yourself with flowers and greenery will remind you of nature even when you’re indoors. Some even purify the air that you breathe, such as Boston ferns, which remove air pollutants such as formaldehyde.
Watch a sunrise and sunset
As you gaze at the beautiful colours of the rising and setting sun each day, reflect on nature’s clock and the essence of time. Give thanks and set your intentions for the dawning of a new day.
Do a nature meditation
Either sit or walk peacefully in a natural setting and focus on your breathing. Find something in the environment that captures your attention, such as clouds drifting slowly in the sky. Just watch and breathe; let go of any tensions, and if unwanted thoughts pop into your head, accept them and just return to concentrating on your breath and nature. There are also guided meditations and nature visualisations online. Check out www.thehonestguys.co.uk
Pack a picnic and go to the park
If you have a day off, or a few hours to spare, find a local park or woodland area to visit. Fill a thermos flask with a hot drink, pack something tasty to eat, wrap up warm and head out for a stroll in nature.
Hang up artwork and photographs of nature
Display inspiring nature art in your home and be reminded of the countryside as you go about your day. Studies have shown that looking at images of trees lower our stress levels and make us feel better, so consider changing your screensaver to an image of woodland. You could even display objects in your home that you have collected on nature walks, like pebbles, leaves, flowers or driftwood.
American environmentalist John Muir wrote, 'In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks'. When we welcome the outdoors into our hearts and our homes, we boost the wonder and wellbeing in every single day.
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