NATURE CAN NURTURE

Appreciating nature and wildlife can be a huge boost to our wellbeing, and that doesn’t have to stop if you’re stuck inside. There are many ways to bring nature to you, and let it cleanse your soul and calm your mind…

- Hetti Lawrence

This spring has been an urbulent time for everyone, where our normal routines have been shaken up until they’re unrecognisable. We have all found ourselves going through times of extreme stress and worry, whether for ourselves or our friends and loved ones. In times of stress, it is particularly important to take time out to consider your physical and mental wellbeing, and nature can be a huge help in this. Though many of our worlds have suddenly shrunk to a scrap of their former sizes, there are still ways to bring the joys of nature to you, even if you are unable to venture far from your home.

First thing’s first – stop for a moment. Look out of the nearest window, open it. Feel the soft breeze on your face and take a deep, slow breath. Feel the warmth of the sun on your eyelids, or immerse yourself in the sound of falling rain. Can you hear the sound of birds singing? What about the buzzing of a nearby bee? What can you smell – the scent of fresh rain, or the salty tang of the sea? Can you see flowers in your garden, bright green leaves on trees, the dazzling blue of the summer sky? Take the time to soak it all in – nature keeps going, even though we’ve been forced to stop.