3 minute read
The Joy Of Spending Time In Nature
These past few weeks and months have provided many of us with the unexpected opportunity to spend more time in the great outdoors.
Unable to work, obliged to refrain from going outside unless for essential reasons like shopping or exercise many of us have turned to walking, running and riding our bikes as the motivating factor in leaving our homes.
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Shopping online has become a way of life for many, using home delivery for food, clothes and all manner of goods. Services have been increasingly sourced online too with exercise classes, zoom meetings and networking being introduced to many homes.
Many children have been home-educated and parents have desperately sought a variety of ways to entertain, amuse and tire their children. Baking has found an unprecedented level of popularity. So, what with being hunched up over a computer or feeling cooped up indoors, it has prompted many people to feel a little stir-crazy and seek some joy by spending time in nature.
Spending time in nature is important for many reasons.
We’ve been fortunate with some wonderful weather, a blessing which has provided space and time away from the four walls of our homes. Many families have never spent so much time together other than during Christmas or holidays, which is fine when you know how long it’s going to last, you’re still in employment and life is good.
It’s important to remember that time outdoors in nature delivers many health benefits. We’re able to top up our vitamin D levels, breathe deeply of clean fresh air, maybe walk strenuously as well as increase our fitness and oxygen levels.
But also we let our eyes refocus away from staring at our computer screens and onto the distant horizon as we enjoy the views.
Smells too! The blossom as we walk past, leaves and undergrowth as we kick along or even the unexpected whiff as the nearby farm dispenses slurry on their fields.
Turning off constant noise is important. Some people choose to run, walk or ride and have podcasts or phones keeping them company. But sometimes turning off unrelated noise and stimulus allows your time in nature to be a more immersive experience. The sounds of nature, early morning birdsong, the rustle of the reeds which alert you to youngsters being on the move, even the gentle grazing of sheep or cattle can be a very special part of your day.
Committing to regular time in nature means that we get to enjoy the newly hatched ducklings, watch their progress and feel proud when their mama sees 4 of her 8 youngsters survive; it reminds us that nature can be harsh at times but still ‘turns up’ each day. It allows us to marvel at the way delicate, fragile wildflowers still bloom, even after drought, torrential rain or harsh winter weather.
We’re able to smile as we see the amazing crèche system operated by geese; they’ve been known to collect up to 40 youngsters as they travel along their waterways. Or watch protective swans safeguard their cygnets, see heron, partridge, foxes in their natural habitat, warily allowing us to pass.
It’s also about appreciating the familiar faces, enjoying exchanging a smile, nod or even a few words of greeting if make our daily walk a regular feature of our lives. Dog walkers often exchange pleasantries with each other and sometimes end with new friends, recommendations and local news as a consequence.
There’s a different pace of life in nature, a pace that doesn’t need a watch or clock. Sometimes it’s full of joy, other times it’s tears. And it’s good to detach from our own world and values for a time, especially at the moment when many of us are weighted down with cares and scarcely know what day it is or what the future holds.
Taking time to have a break from our house and our life is important. It may provide a change of scenery for you both as a couple, giving time to do something together, to maybe chat and enjoy some us time. It may offer alternative ways to be together as a family, sharing a walk, game or nature trail. Or having some me time on your own to disconnect, relax and clear your mind can be a very special time too.
However you fill it, make sure to enjoy some special time in nature.
Article By Susan Leigh
Susan Leigh, counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor, has published her third book, 101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday (ISBN 9781910275160) based on her social media series. A glossy, pocket-sized book, it's full of inspirational quotes & pictures, a treat to give or simply keep for yourself.
