LifecanbetoffSpending time outside getting back to nature is widely reported to have its health benefits with reports suggesting it can help reduce depression, anxiety and stress, not forgetting the physical benefits of the exercise itself.
I’m a strong believer that, even a short walk in the fresh air, can help melt away my worries and I try to spend as much time as I can enjoying nature.
Now, I’m not talking about ditching the threads and strutting about in the nude, if that’s what de-stresses you then knock yourself out (within reason though right…!).
I’m talking about enjoying mother nature, our beautiful landscapes, seeing the beauty in the everyday and just generally embracing God’s green earth.
Here are my favourite things to do, to help me de-stress.
Go for a walk in the country!
The UK is abound with beautiful walks, whether that is country footpaths and bridleways, coastal paths or city centre green spaces.
I’m sure you won’t have to travel far to find yourself trudging along a muddy footpath, strolling in an enchanted forest or navigating styles and gates!
I am extremely lucky to be surrounded by footpath routes without getting in the car, with even more options if I’m prepared for a short drive.
When I’m out and about, I find myself enjoying the view, taking in the scents and sounds. I find that just half an hour walk for me helps calm my mood and and almost hits the reset button for me.
Just remember, stick to designated footpaths and leave gates as you find them – I don’t wish to preach but taking note of the Countryside Code helps keep our countryside beautiful and enjoyable for all.
Going for a ride
It’s been a couple of years since the last time I rode a horse. However, whenever I get back in that saddle I feel absolutely refreshed and renewed.
Just me, a horse and a beautiful view and I am sold! I’m never bothered if it’s raining and miserable as that just adds to the experience.
There is something to be said about enjoying our country from atop a horse. You can go as slow or as fast as you like, you can (and I do) chat away to the horse, or if you’ve gone for a ride with friends it’s an excellent way to have a good chinwag.
I do miss riding a lot, even being on the ground with a horse makes me feel relaxed.
So, I add it to my list of absolute must-do’s to help you de-stress and get back to nature.
I’d probably find a bike ride as equally relaxing! Just as likely to fall off though!
Sit in the garden
One thing I miss with my current flat is being able to sit in the garden.
Whilst I have access to outside space, it’s either side of the driveway and isn’t a particularly pretty place to sit and enjoy the view.
I really enjoy sitting in the garden, it was when I moved to the Cotswolds I really began to appreciate the effort that is put into an English garden. And where better than to put your feet up than in a *hammock with stand?
The changing seasons, the abundance of wildlife and just the huge variety of flowers and plants to appreciate.
I always enjoyed sitting back with a book and even browsing the internet on my phone whilst in the garden. I find it incredibly inspiring to sit back and watch the world go by.
With my job, I’m incredibly lucky to visit some spectacular gardens. So, even if like me you don’t have a garden to enjoy, get out there and visit one.
My favourite of the ones I’ve visited was Exbury Gardens in the New Forest, a 200-acre woodland garden, world-famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs.
Not forgetting the most amazing display of wisteria hysteria any instagrammer would be proud of!
Go to the seaside!
Visiting the seaside has such rejuvenating feelings for me. It doesn’t matter if the weather is hammering down or a it’s lovely sunny day, there is something to be said about a visit to the beach.
In saying that, I find river side walks or walks along the canal (see my recent post about Caen Hill Locks) all incredibly relaxing too.
Recently, I spent a half day canoeing the River Wye in the beautiful Symonds Yat area.
It was an incredibly enjoyable, relaxing day with friends from work – lots of laughs, lots of non-work chat and genuinely a way to forget all my troubles!
Is it just me that finds being beside the water relaxing? I often put that down to being the daughter of a naval man and having been born in Portsmouth.
It might just be that the water has relaxing affects on a lot of people!
What do you do to relax?
Can you relate to any of these or do you have other ways in which you find yourself chilling? If you’re not able to get out in nature as much as you’d like, there are affirmations for self-care success you can apply to your everyday routine.
Peace out!
Jangles x
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Great post. I love being outdoors in nature, whether that’s a walk, long hike, something active (like archery), or simply sitting in our back garden. It’s one of my favourite ways to relax and unwind.
I miss having a garden to sit out in for sure. But, there is plenty of open space around for me to enjoy so its not all bad! How often do you get to do archery?
Really good advice here- thank you. I go for a walk every day for at least an hour.
That’s really good! I think it does great stuff for our health to go for a walk, it doesn’t even have to be strenuous!
I find that even a short walk helps me to destress. I am lucky enough to have the peak district fairly close so head up there when I can. Those photos are amazing – that wisteria shot!! I have never seen anything like that!
The post alone is making me feel relaxed from your beautiful photos! I’ve never considered horse riding before, but it’s definitely going on my list now I’ve seen that photo and read your recommendation.
Horse riding is so therapeutic for me, even just being around them is relaxing. I definitely recommend giving it a go just once!
I haven’t ridden a horse since I was a kid, but it would be fun to do it again! Walking the dog at the park is one of my favorite ways to de-stress. And the beach always makes me feel rejuvenated!
Oh yes you must go again! Although I find I have a lot less confidence as I get older!
Spending time in nature really recharges my batteries! Can’t wait for the warmer weather to do it more.