Last year, our world became smaller.
Instead of commuting to the other side of town, we walked to the other side of our homes.
Neighborhood strolls replaced grand vacations, and large family gatherings shrunk to the size of a computer screen.
This downsizing wasn’t all bad.
In the end, it reminded many of us of the beauty and importance of nearby nature.
The joy to be found in local nature.
Arecent study out of Austriafound that locals reported feeling happier and less alone when spending time outdoors in 2020.
And as little astwo hours of nature time a week1is enough to promote a more positive outlook.
How to engage with nearby nature this winter and beyond.
Any patch of nature can be healing, once we give it our full attention.
Here are some ways to stick with a mindful nature practice in your neighborhood in the months ahead.
Use them on your next long walk, or just while running errands.
We can’t be wowed by nature if our screens already have our full attention.
Research confirms thatusing electronics in naturenegates some of the mentally restorative benefits that the outdoors has to offer.
Slow down and engage the senses.
Popular nature therapies put a heavy emphasis on moving slowly and engaging all five senses.
The practice has been shown toreduce stress and anxiety2, as well as promote a strongerimmune response3anddeeper sleep4.
The slower you go, the more details you’ll notice:
Notice small changes.
Take nature breaks indoors.
Or, if you have houseplants, sit in their presence for a moment.
Touch their leaves, smell their soil, and keep an eye out for any new growth.
Reflect on your mood afterward.
Take a second to scan the body and notice where any stress or tension has lifted.
