Living in an urban city is the standard for most people I know. Some might be lucky in quiet suburban areas, while those of us in bigger cities can’t avoid the noise and city lights. I love to walk and being in nature. Although I enjoy it the most in Croatia, I want to share with you some ways you can better your mental state of being as well as your connection with nature.
1. Wake up with the sunrise.
I know this one seems intense, especially in the summertime (too early), and sometimes it is too late in the wintertime. This could also be an alarm clock that slowly lights up the room. This is the most natural and best way for your body to ease into waking up. Obviously, sounds of birds, trees, waves crashing, and overall the world waking up outside is ideal, I have invested in an alarm clock that mimics that, since I live in very urban area.
2. Spend at least 1 day every day outside.
Let’s split this into 30 minutes in the morning, and 30 in the evening. Even during your workday, going for a walk in the neighborhood of your workplace. I know sometimes it might rain, be too hot or too cold, so I recommend balancing out the time of your walk through the week. Maybe it rains on Monday, so you might add another 30 minutes to your walk on Tuesday and 30 minutes to Wednesday. Or maybe you have to go shopping so you opt for an outdoor mall instead with a lot of nature around it. There are many ways to do this, and you’d be surprised how quickly that hour will pass by.
3. Fill your home with plants.
But not any kind of plants. Look into what grows well on the balcony, in your garden, what can be in your room without harming you, and what can be added into the shower. Fresh spices could be in your kitchen, etc. So many different ways to make your home gain more green without you losing anything. Of course make sure to understand what these plants need from you since watering and sunshine could change the lifespan of your green friends.
4. Find an outdoor activity you enjoy doing.
Yes, this can be a walk, but it can also be biking, hiking, playing badminton, tennis, or any other sports. It’s also a great way to see your friends while doing something good for you all without spending money on drinks and dinners.
5. Take your pet for a longer or different walk than usual.
Maybe instead of doing the usual 10 minutes, just long enough for them to do what they need to do, how about a stroll in a different area for 30 minutes instead. That way your pet gets to use the energy they built up from being at home, and you also get to stretch your legs from the workday.
6. Drive to a different location to spend time outside.
I don’t have a pet where I live, but I know they are a great motivator to drive to a different park on a Saturday and play with them. Unrelating to a pet, if you do have a child, most likely than not they enjoy the outdoors, especially children’s playgrounds, so take them to a different one every weekend. This way you are also enjoying vitamin D while playing with your kids and/or pets.
There are many other ways to connect with nature, but these are some common and simple ways you can enhance your relationship with the outdoors without overdoing it.
The Texturescope 