No matter what activities fill our daily lives, there’s always something that needs our attention: washing up, emails, cleaning, even getting out of bed, or having a shower. If we think about it, the list is endless.
With more of our lives at our fingertips and our social media presence also calling for our time, the need for immediacy—the instant results and replies—can feel overwhelming. Sometimes we just have to take a step back and regroup.
One way of doing this is to reconnect with ourselves through nature. Spending time outside is known to reduce stress and anxiety, and we all know how lovely it is to feel the sun on our faces, even on a crisp cold winter’s morning.
Connecting with nature at least once a day can increase our wellbeing; the phytoncides that naturally fill the air from the plant life can increase our white blood cells and strengthen our immunity. Getting our hands dirty in the soil triggers the release of Serotonin, a natural mood stabiliser. Sunlight also stimulates Serotonin, and if you throw in a bit of light exercise to trigger the happy neurotransmitter, Dopamine, then we can be rewarded with increased wellbeing and a more positive outlook.
Of course, there are many, many other reasons why heading outdoors is a helpful occupation of our time, that was just a quick snapshot. And when I talk about the outdoors I don’t necessarily mean a five-mile hike or a romp through a tropical forest, it’s the little things that count.
Spend Time Outdoors
If you can, head outside and move about there. Find a park or another green space and spend a few minutes being mindful of the surroundings. Count the birds or the people, listen to the wind, spot something you find beautiful, or just take a moment to inhale the open air.
Nature’s Gifts
Collect parts of nature that you find interesting. Be it leaves, wood bark, feathers, petals, stones, or grass (though be mindful not to damage the environment or wildlife). Take time to really notice the patterns and the textures and smells.
Watch The Birds
From a window or an outside space turn your eyes skywards and try to spot different species of bird. There’s no need to know them or name them, though learning this can be fun too. If you have your own outside space, you could set up a birdfeeder by a window. Try to focus just on the birds, and let your mind be as free as the birds appear to be.
Litter Picking
This is something that we should all be doing anyway. Not only does it get us outside, it increases our wellbeing through engaging with the environment in a helpful way. (It’s best to wear gloves to do this—stay safe.)
Watching The Clouds
Find a safe space to lie down and look at the sky. Or, if you can’t get to the floor, find a seat that allows you a good view. Spot the clouds and make shapes and pictures with them. We spend so much time looking down, that reconnecting with the open sky is powerful.
Outside In
Of course, there are people that cannot access the outside world, so instead, try to bring the outside in. You could complete activities of daily living by an open window, peel potatoes at a small table, or read in front of open patio doors. Download noises of nature and listen to them with your eyes closed.
Though research is still ongoing into the benefits of ecotherapy, connecting with nature, being mindful of the present we are in, can stop us mentally cycling through worrying thoughts. And although it’s not a miracle cure, it’s safe to say that nature can heal us all in its own way.
Nb. Obviously, with the world as it is right now, please stay safe and keep to social distancing and lockdown rules if you’re trying any ecotherapies.
