Ever since I was little, I've always been an outdoorsy person. I guess its just the way my family always were and I was happy with that. Hiking in the lakes, exploring other cultures, visiting places. There's nothing I hate more than being cooped up inside for days on end. And even when deadlines are looming, I think its still always super important to get out and about for some fresh air, even if its just popping to your local shop for some revision chocolate.
I've also been practicing a fair bit of mindfulness recently. And regardless of whether you have a mental illness or not, mindfulness is always going to be the route to a healthier mind. Everybody gets stressed and overwhelmed from time to time and its important to take a break and connect with your surroundings. And although it can involve sitting still with your eyes closed for an hour meditating, there is more to it than that. Its about clearing your head, lifting the fog and engaging with the present moment. Its feeling rooted in your body, noticing your breath and paying attention to detail.
Listen to the sounds we take for granted: the birds tweeting, the rain battering down on the trees, the bustle of the traffic in the distance. If you're stressed, anxious or feeling down right now, after reading this (unless its late at night or you're busy or its raining) I want you to go for a walk. However long you want it to be. Go to your local park or just a little walk round the block by your house. You could even just sit in your back garden. But when you do, just connect with nature and it will naturally relax you.
My favourite places to walk are the park and the beach. they're both such different environments but equally as relaxing as one another. The beach is probably preferable though because you can just sit watching the tide go in or out and its incredibly relaxing. I love the smell of the sea air and the feeling of the sand under my feet. But yes, pay attention to these things. Put your phone in your pocket and absorb the world in.
Thank you for reading,
peace and love xo
For more information on mindfulness, and to find where I got the inspiration for this blog post, see the following books:
Labels: Mindfulness, Travel & Places
