Feel good in the great outdoors

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to recentre yourself and regain balance, writes our resilience champion, Katie Piper

IMMERSING YOURSELF in nature calms a busy mind and brings clarity to your thoughts. Taking a break from artificial noise and screens through mini outdoor adventures brings a sense of peace I can’t go without. In lockdown, I fell into bad habits, sitting at my laptop working without taking a break for fresh air, but now I diarise outside time because I’ve realised how important is it for a positive mindset and mood.

Get outside any way you can and feel the difference! Try the following:

Mindful walking. Many of us are time-poor and seeking ways to reduce stress. Taking time for yourself is crucial and going for a solo walk while actively practising mindfulness is the perfect way to achieve both. Running. As daunting as it seems, once you get going, running ticks all the boxes: Time outside, time alone, time to think and improved health. Running is my saviour and is a great way to ease anxiety. I launched my ‘Zero to 7k’ programme because it’s all about getting started and having a community to encourage you.

Try a new activity. If you have children, there are many fun, free pastimes – a picnic, treasure hunt, nature spotting or finding elements for crafting when you get home. There are also nature parks with play areas and water sports centres where you can hire canoes or pedalos.