Living in the city is commonplace these days, with easy access to amenities, businesses, shopping, and activities. In fact, it is estimated that 83% of the U.S. population lives in urban areas, which is up from 64% in 1950!
Now, more than ever before, finding a way to connect with nature while residing in the city is a really important aspect of maintaining physical, psychological, and emotional wellness.
There are easy ways to sneak in moments of nature, even while living in a concrete jungle, and it’s important to prioritize! But how?
Visit Local Parks
One of the easiest ways to reconnect with nature while living in the city is by visiting the local parks. Luckily, most cities have public parks that offer a natural oasis amid the urban sprawl.
These parks often offer hiking trails, ponds or lakes, and even wildlife to observe. Some parks also host outdoor events such as concerts, public picnics, or festivals that make it easy to get out in nature and connect with other nature lovers in your community.
Join a Local Hiking or Nature Group
If you have an interest in nature but are unsure of how to explore it solo, consider joining a group of fellow like-minded nature lovers.
These groups often organise regular hikes and outdoor activities and they are a fantastic way to create meaningful connections while exploring your local green spaces.
The neat thing about joining one of these groups is the exposure to hikes or locations that you may not be aware of, which you can then explore solo at other times.
Grow Your Own Garden
Whether you have a large property in the city or a small apartment, there are ways to connect to nature from your own space.
Growing a garden or planting a few things on your balcony is a simple way to get your hands in the dirt and connect back to the greenery on a regular basis.
You can start small by growing herbs or succulents (which are very forgiving!), and as you gain confidence and skill you can expand your garden (however small or large) to include flowers, vegetables, or even fruit trees.
The options here are unlimited, and they will bring you into direct contact with nature every day.
Practice Meditation or Yoga Outdoors
Nowadays, with the knowledge of the importance of nature for our overall well-being, many Yoga studios and wellness practitioners offer the opportunity to practice outdoors, while surrounded by nature.
If this isn’t an option in your community, or Yoga isn’t something you’re interested in, everyone can benefit from incorporating meditation into their lives.
Find a natural setting nearby, even a park or small greenspace, and allow yourself to sit in a quiet presence, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the peaceful surroundings while you bring attention to your breath.
This simple practice can have very long-lasting effects on mental health.
Spending time in nature has been directly linked with physical well-being, reduction of blood pressure, lowering muscle tension, and slowing the production of stress hormones.
Some scientists even claim that it can increase life expectancy, so this is an aspect of self-care that should not be avoided.
By making some simple adjustments to your busy city life, you can incorporate moments of connection with nature, and benefit from the conveniences of city living without losing out on the importance of nature altogether.
