Urban Pilgrimage : 3 Reasons to Get Out of the City and Reconnect with Nature Regularly

For years now I have been taking myself on a little urban pilgrimages within the green pockets that line the city. As always, while I am out  there I am in so much awe of how just a small dose of conscious engagement with the natural world can be so uplifting for the mind and body. Sometimes - this is my therapy.  If you're interested in increasing your personal well being and mental health, I recommend getting out the city on a weekly basis and venturing into your favourite nature spot!

Here’s Why :

1. It’s Healing for Your Brain & Body - Studies have shown that being out in nature boosts natural endorphins and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression as just 3 examples amongst a whole host of other benefits. For a more comprehensive review of these you can check out this article.
2. It Renews Your Inspiration & Passion for Life - The brain loves novelty and the natural world is full of that ( especially when compared to our man-made landscapes). Novelty provides the perfect platform for new learning & engagement ; it literally says to the brain ‘ time to wake up and re-engage!’ which primes you for a more energised and focused approach to whatever tasks are at hand when you return from your adventure.
3. It Helps you Remember The Bigger Picture - It’s hard to not realise that we really are part of a bigger world than our own lives and challenges when we’re surrounded by the natural environment. When I’m nature-venturing , I feel a sense of connectedness with the universe outside of my small bubble and a rhythm of life that has been pulsing for millennia and suddenly my personal challenges really don’t seem that much of an issue in the grand scheme of things. I return home grounded, re-charged and ready to take on life in the city once more :)

My tip for your next venture into Nature: The next time you take yourself on an Urban Pilgrimage take the time to consciously pay attention to the environment around you. Notice the colours, textures, sounds and smells. Breathe it all in and know that you are exchanging the same air as all the other living creatures in that space. See what this does for your little adventure! For more on how to live a happier, more authentically connected life, you can also check out www.thishappy.co.