Want to feel better naturally?
Even a little time in nature can lift your spirits, clear your mind and help you feel better naturally – one wild moment at a time.
Here are 3 simple ways to enjoy nature without needing a big plan:
Wild Soul: Enjoy the Little Moments with Big Benefits
Looking up (c) Debbie Bigg
Sometimes, a little fresh air is all you need. Whether it's a gentle stroll, a moment listening to birdsong or simply pausing to notice the world around you, spending time in nature offers a welcome chance to slow down and take a breather from busy everyday life.
(c) Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography
1. Slow down and notice the natural world
Listen for birdsong, look for patterns in tree bark or watch the movement of leaves in the breeze. Be mindful of what you see and how that makes you feel.
Your Challenge: Take 10 minutes to immerse yourself in the natural world.
2. Find your happy place
What resonates with you? Being near water, inhaling the earthy smell of a woodland, standing in open heathland, or on a hill with a view? Whatever it is, find your happy place and enjoy it.
Your Challenge: Explore our nature reserves online and go and visit one that ticks your box!
Blackbird feeding on Rowan berries © Margaret Holland
3. Make a trip outside more rewarding
Look for different leaf shapes, listen for a variety of bird calls, spot a splash of colour or notice something you’ve never seen before. Look and listen more closely, whether walking alone, with family or with a friend.
Your Challenge: Find 5 different leaves or listen for 5 different bird calls.
Finding it difficult to get motivated?
When motivation is low, a little nature can go a long way. Step outside for a short stroll, spot wildlife from your window or pause on your doorstep to lift your spirits.
Here are 3 easy and rewarding ways to enjoy nature:
Robin © Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
1. Try a ten-minute wild wander
You don’t need to plan a big walk. Head to a nearby green space for just ten minutes and see what catches your eye: a Robin in the hedge, frost on the grass or the shapes of bare branches.
Your Challenge: Wrap up warm and get outside.
Grey Squirrel © Terry Whittaker/2020VISION
2. Get wild from the sofa
When it’s hard to find the motivation to head outside, you can still feel connected to the natural world. Settle in with a nature documentary or wildlife film and let yourself be transported to wild places. Marvel at extraordinary animal behaviour, discover species you’ve never heard of or see familiar wildlife in a whole new light.
Your Challenge: Discover something you didn’t know before.
3. Let nature wash over you
Give yourself a few quiet minutes to absorb the sights, sounds, smells and sensations around you, without needing to achieve anything at all. No walk to complete, no wildlife to find – just you and nature, right here, right now.
Your Challenge: Pause, breathe and feel a little wilder.
We hope you’ve found something here that inspires you. There’s no right or wrong way to connect with the natural world but there’s always a way to make space for it. We’ll keep the ideas coming in our monthly newsletter so make sure you’ve signed up for it.