How to reconnect with nature?
With all the concrete, noise, visual and olfactory pollution, urban lifestyles seem far removed from nature. And yet, it’s everywhere: with parks, rivers, trees, flowers, birds, or simply by looking up to the sky. Whether you live in the city, the countryside, by the sea or in the mountains, here are 11 ways to reconnect with nature and do yourself some good!
1. Hiking in the middle of the countryside: put on your hiking boots and explore the forest, mountain and countryside trails. You can use this opportunity to try Afghan walking, plan a plogging session or try sylvotherapy. Do you prefer a more intense sporting challenge? Discover trail running, nature running!
2. Picking mushrooms or plants: if the weather is good and depending on the time of year, leave the roads behind and go and pick something to cook up a pan of mushrooms or make a bouquet of wild plants. If you have walnut or chestnut trees near your home, that’s another great opportunity!
3. Do yoga outdoors: doing a yoga session in your garden, in the middle of a city park or on the beach increases the feeling of harmony between body, mind and your surroundings. You can also try hiking-yoga, a hybrid sport that lets you immerse yourself in nature and practise the Tree, Lotus or Sphinx poses.
4. Go on a photo expedition: you don't need to be a professional to take your smartphone or camera and try your hand at nature photography. Find pretty landscapes, small animals or insects to capture in pictures. Already started your trek? Here are our tips for taking home some great photos!
5. Open water swimming or sailing: if you like water, grab your swimsuit! By the sea, out on the ocean, on a lake or river, discover your inner fish or climb aboard a canoe or kayak. After checking if it's allowed, of course. 😉
6. Gardening: are you lucky enough to have your own garden or use of a shared garden? Gardening is known for its meditative impact. Getting your hands in the soil, seeing your work grow over the passing days, understanding the needs of plant species, setting some time aside for the living world... Relaxation and learning guaranteed!
7. Camping or bivouacking: spending a night outside, alone or with family, brings us back to basics. In a tent, you’re in the middle of nature while still being protected. At the end of the day, you can enjoy a superb sunset, depending on where you camp. If you're an early riser, sunrise is just as spectacular a sight to see. Not so comfortable on the ground? The roof tent option also works!
8. Stargazing: with binoculars or a telescope, if the sky is clear, it's a chance to see what's happening above our heads. Try to get as far away from light pollution as possible to enjoy the experience. Here are our tips for some great bird watching!
9. Play : nature is also the perfect playground. Mölkky, pétanque, Breton palets, kites, orienteering... You're spoiled for choice!
10. Discovering birds: do you know the Bullfinch, Jay or Linnet? There are about 600 species of birds in France, each one more beautiful and surprising than the last. For the curious, lots of websites and apps will help you spot birds, such as the Bearded Vulture.
11. Chill: settle down in a garden or park, on a beach, in the mountains, on a country path and do whatever makes you feel good. Meditate, read, draw, embroider, have a picnic, drink tea or coffee, or simply do some sunbathing or get some fresh air... The main thing is to choose a place where nature is all around and relax.
