Connecting with nature is one of the best steps that you can take to improve your overall well-being. Research consistently shows that being out in nature yields various physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. It’s worthwhile to consider taking a wellness vacation in a setting that provides you with easy access to nature, and you’ll get the most out of it if you spend an extended period of time in an area where nature is abundant.
Although taking a nature-oriented wellness vacation is a good idea, you might not have the freedom to do so. If this is the case, then try the tips in this blog post in the meantime. They can help you reconnect with nature right now.
Bring nature to you.
You likely already know that relaxing in natural settings can allow you to get in touch with nature. Even spending your break in a local park is enough to you get started. However, it’s also worth keeping in mind that you can enjoy nature when you have no option but to be indoors. For instance, decorating your home or office with a few plants can be a first step. Research indicates that office greenery can have a positive impact on productivity. Adding a few plants to your workspace might help you get more done.
You could also try starting a collection of seashells, pinecones, or other natural items and display them at your desk or your favorite rooms at home. If you choose something normally found in your local park, woods, beach, or other environments, then this might also prompt you to visit those areas when you have the chance to go outdoors.
Adopt the right hobbies.
Numerous hobbies can give you an opportunity to not only get in touch with nature, but to also maintain a connection. Gardening is one option. Depending on the plants within your garden, this activity can also serve a practical purpose: yielding food that you can use in your meals. Photography is another pastime to consider. Natural settings often provide ideal subjects for photos. If photography doesn’t appeal to you, perhaps you could take up painting or drawing instead, which can give you a reason to spend more time in nature. Hiking and off-trail biking or running are also hobbies that require venturing into the outdoors. They’ll help you stay healthy as well.
Attract wildlife to your backyard.
Among the benefits of reconnecting with nature is reminding you that the world is filled with extraordinary living creatures. You might be able to draw some of the local wildlife to you when you don’t have the opportunity to seek them out in their natural habitats. For example, you could plant a bird-feeder in your backyard. This will attract various remarkable guests.
Take other tasks to the park.
Finding time to go to the park might be easier than you think when you consider that a visit there can involve engaging in more than one task. For instance, depending on the nature of your job, you might have the freedom to work in a park. Or perhaps you like to read or browse the Internet on a daily basis. This is also something that you can do there. You can listen to the natural sounds around you while you read or take a few moments to appreciate your surroundings between book chapters or pieces of content.
Like everyone else, you also need to eat every day. This is another basic activity that you can do in a park. If you regularly eat with family members or friends, then you can turn meals into picnics. Moreover, some people feel comfortable exercising in the park. You can run, perform yoga, or lift weights if you bring them yourself. If you’re nervous about the idea of working out in front of others, then try looking for a less-occupied area or see if you can go to the park at times of the day or week when there are fewer people there.
Pay Attention to your surroundings.
Even if you live in a crowded city, pieces of nature are all around you. You simply need to remember to look for and pay attention to them. For example, try not to just walk by every tree that you see. Take time to admire a few. Don’t tune out the sound of birds chirping; listen to them mindfully instead. When you feel a breeze on your face, enjoy the sensation.
Alternatives are helpful, but not always full substitutes.
None of these tips are necessarily complete substitutes for getting in touch with nature through an extended trip. That’s still a worthwhile opportunity. However, the aforementioned ideas can help when taking a nature-oriented wellness vacation isn’t an option.
Will Obeid 