When the pandemic forced us all into our homes, we also all spent more time in nature. As city centres closed and shopping parks fell empty, nature became a haven of activity. With most lockdowns happening in spring, we all found ourselves watching the world outdoors unfold around us in gentle succession. From buds forming on trees to baby ducks in ponds, nature was there in its soothing cycle of certainty in a world of uncertainty.
Nature has always been a place to reconnect, to slow down and to enjoy the world in all it’s unperturbed glory. As we prioritise our mental health, getting outdoors and connecting with nature has many benefits. We’ve compiled six of our favourites.
Long and slow walks for mindfulness
While walking is a form of exercise, taking life slowly on a long, gentle amble will allow you to fall into a steady rhythm and can be used to practice mindfulness. Places where you can explore freely, not constricted by paths, are perfect. Use your time to explore and follow where your heart takes you. To make your walk more mindful, you can:
- Stop frequently to recalibrate your senses and admire the view around you.
- Give yourself plenty of time on your walk. If you feel confined to a time frame, then you will struggle to connect with nature properly.
- Even if you walk down your road, notice small details rather than the road next to you. Something as simple as a crocus bud could be perfect.
Sit and listen
From finding a spot that you treasure, to simply taking 15 minutes to sit on a bench while outdoors, sitting and listening can be used as a breathing exercise, chance to reflect on the time to come and observe.
If you find a spot you visit regularly, perhaps in an area of natural beauty or similar, then observe the changing seasons, the animals and what the clouds look like. This regular observation will, over the months, create a natural cycle and may even benefit your circadian rhythm as you spend more time in nature, watching its change.
Like making a human friend, spending time in nature will allow you to get to know it as it teaches you subtle lessons in life.
Participate in an outdoor sport
If you’re someone who struggles to sit still or prefers to be active, finding an outdoor sport, such as horse riding or football in the park, will help to connect you with nature.
Fast paced or more sedentary, being outdoors and breathing in the fresh air will provide you many benefits. The variety of air and breathing that you are required to do when working out in the outdoors will benefit you greatly. Start in the summer to acclimatise to the changing temperature before you try and get aerobically fit in the winter to protect your lungs.
Al fresco dining
If you’ve ever read the Famous Five books by Enid Blyton, you’ll know how much the four children reference how good food tastes outdoors. Rather than inside, where the atmosphere is curated, food outdoors is eating in an environment that cannot be controlled. From birdsong to the rustling leaves on the trees even to the changing weather, all these can make your dining more enjoyable.
It doesn’t have to be anything major; bar snacks and a pint (or two) can be enjoyed at a slower pace in the outdoor weather.
Experience a holiday on the wild side
Perhaps you’re used to city breaks, but since the pandemic want to break into the countryside without removing the luxuries of an actual bed. Whether you chose a pod home or a campervan, escaping to a far-flung corner provides mental benefits, as well as benefits to your bank account.
Relaxing and keeping calm in a different enviroment, and driving your home around, keeps the interest high and you engaged. You may even find spots you’d never heard of by going off-piste and driving around aimlessly. Camping itself is well renowned for resetting the body clock and helps you reconnect with yourself and nature.
Gardening for mental health
A multi-year study published in 2011 by the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences found that gardening improved the symptoms of people with clinical depression. Over 12 weeks, people formally diagnosed with depression participated in gardening therapy, and benefits were seen in the immediate but also lasted for months afterwards.
Uncovering hidden gems in the soil, watching your toil pay off as you see the fruits of your labour bear all promote satisfaction. It’s even better when you get to pick the produce, and then use it in your cooking. Cress, for example, is incredibly easy to plant and adds a lovely bit of flavour on salads
The article was written by Jason Sims, Marketing Executive at Just Kampers and Just Kampers Insurance. Jason is a fully fledged VW enthusiast, with over 20 years’ experience in keeping Volkswagens old and new on the road. Currently owns a 69 Cal Look Beetle, and enjoys attending VW shows and Camping with friends and family.