Useful tips on chilling outdoors
Opinion: It can feel impossible to drop everything and lose yourself in nature. Trips can be expensive, potentially inaccessible and hard to plan around a busy life.
However, it’s been shown that even a few minutes of connection with Mother Earth can have great health benefits. In honour of this much needed feeling, here are five easy ways to get closer to nature without breaking the bank or having to travel far.
STARGAZE YES FOLKS
You don’t even need a backyard to do this. Stepping outside your home on a clear night can be enough to experience connection with the Universe. Make the evening into a constellation storytelling adventure, astrological experience or simply a quiet observation. Grab a blanket and some snacks for extra fun.
VISIT THE BEACH
Numerous psychological studies have shown that visiting the beach makes you feel relaxed and more engaged. Between the
ebbing of the waves, the smell of the ocean breeze and the promise of fish and chips around the corner, there’s no reason to not take a quick trip to the sea. And, thanks to New Zealand’s geography, you are never further than 130km from a beach – so there’s no excuse to not pack your towel and go on a day trip.
PACK A PICNIC
I know, I know: we’ve been talking about picnics a lot lately. Despite the eye roll this word might cause, picnics are legitimately great for any occasion. Whether you’re munching on a sandwich in front of a cool mural or swapping biscuits at the park, eating outdoors can be a great way to reconnect with the planet for a little bit. I recommend making homemade scroggin for the occasion.
WATCH THE SUNSET
When I sit in front of a sunset, I always marvel at how lucky we are to see it everyday. Sunsets can be accompanied by a cheeky glass of wine, enjoyed from the top of a hill or shared with friends. Whatever the circumstances, it’s a beautiful and celebratory moment that is more than likely to make you feel happy to be here, on good old planet Earth.
ENJOY INDOOR PLANTS
Sometimes, being outside just doesn’t cut it (we’re looking at you, spring rain). That’s not a worry though, as many studies have shown that simply having plants around can lower stress, increase productivity and creativity. Spend an hour repotting plants, setting up a green area in your house or creating a terrarium.
❚ If you’ve experienced a lovely moment in nature lately, don’t hesitate to share it with us on the Neighbourly noticeboard. We love to be inspired.
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