After the initial explosion of growth in spring, nature is now settling into her stride in the summer months. The foliage on the trees is maturing. The tapestry of flowers slowly changes as different species take their turn to bloom, are pollinated and then fade, morphing into different types of fruit or seeds. Birds are nesting and busily foraging for food to feed their young. Generally, nature is making the most of the long days and warmer weather, and that is what we should be doing too.
Summer is the time to make the most of the longer daylight and better weather and get out and about as much as possible. The longer daylight around the summer solstice and the warmer weather naturally gives our mood a boost, the sunshine topping up our vitamin D. The length of the day naturally gives us more time to go further afield and explore new places. It is a time to broaden our horizons, explore and look for adventure, whether this is going on holiday, going on day trips locally, or simply going for a walk from home you’ve never done before.
Life in urban areas is frenetic at the best of times, but in the run up to the summer solstice, life often seems busier than ever. We know that getting out into nature has positive impacts on our wellbeing. It can help us to destress, sooths us and helps to recharge our batteries. With so much going on in nature at this time of year, there is always something new to see too! Getting out into nature can provide the perfect backdrop for your summer adventures, whether on holiday, or a walk in the evening after work.
Why not try to expand your network of nature-rich places to go to this summer? It is very easy to go to the same tried and tested places time and again. Why not gently stretch your comfort zone and look for new parks and greenspaces to explore? Whilst familiarity is comforting, growth never happens in our comfort zones. Sometimes it is necessary to climb out of our comfortable rut and walk up to the top of the nearest ‘horizon’ and take a peek over the top to see what lies beyond, and maybe - if you’re feeling brave - embrace that fear and walk into the next ‘valley’ to explore.
Looking online at maps with aerial imagery so you can see the ‘green’ areas, can be a good place to start. Is it possible to link some of these green areas up and do a longer walk? Look for reviews and do your research, checking the areas are publicly accessible and safe to go. Plan your adventure within your own limitations and go for it.
Whether you are going away, or having a staycation this year, I hope you manage to get out into nature as much as you can and have some amazing adventures. Happy holidays everyone!
'Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.' – Mark Twain
'Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.' - Van Morrison
Comments