I live in the countryside, right under a big mountain. I also live in Slovenia, which is one of the greenest countries in Europe.
Every day, no matter where I go, I am just a few metres away from a tree or a bush. It is one of the things I love most about where I live because nothing makes my heart beat faster than a beautiful tree and birds singing all around me.
I truly wish we could all go back to our 90s lifestyle where humans just went for long walks without any phones and talked and laughed and observed the world. I miss the 90s, don’t you?
Although I use technology quite a bit, I still wish I could be rich enough to pay someone to use the internet instead of me.Â
Maybe one day.
But we do live in a world that is evolving very fast and being away from nature is bad for our mental health, so let’s see how we can change that, okay?
Mama nature helped us evolve into who we are today. She gives us food and shelter when we need it. The least we can do is protect her and reconnect with the life that surrounds us.
Here is how to spend more time in nature:
- Adopt a dog.
Do you know of a better way to be forced to go out for long walks than having a companion who will demand you take him/her for a walk? I don’t think so.
Just make sure you are ready to take care of another being for the next 10-20 years, depending on the breed of a dog you adopt.
- Go bird watching.
I admit I spend a lot of time hiding behind the bushes watching birds eat from the bird feeder I bought and hung on one of our trees. Observing tiny colourful birds is one of the few joys I genuinely look forward to experiencing every day.
Buy some bird food, make a birdhouse and listen to the beautiful melodies these wonderful beings are willing to share with humans.
- Clean the forests.
All you need are garden gloves and a big plastic bag (let’s not go there, okay) to start picking up trash that can be found in almost every single forest in your vicinity.
You are not only in nature but you are actively protecting it while reconnecting with your original home. It is truly one of the most selfless and fulfilling things you can do.
Since we are so close to summer, I know these tips will come in handy.
I always say that when I talk about nature and Earth I am not trying to sound spiritual – especially when talking about reconnecting to Mother Earth – because this is what science says is actually good for us.
As Homo sapiens, we need to go out there and breathe the fresh air to thrive. We need to climb and walk and run and experience the seasons.
If you are struggling with a mental illness, this is even more true for you.
I encourage you to go to nature at least twice a week to relax and focus on the natural world. After all, you do share a common ancestor with every bird, every worm, every tree and every flower.
Computers are nice but they are not family.
If you want to learn how to create a sustainable eco-vegan lifestyle please make sure you are following me on Pinterest and Instagram.
Tanja
