Sarah Guirguis While it seems pretty obvious, nature is always said to be good for the soul. The rewards you get by spending a day on the beach or in a lavish garden are significant for our mental health. Of course, there is something romantic and serene about it, as well. We can all enjoy a relaxed, wholesome moment every now and then, whether we’re curled up with a good book, taking in the fresh air or enjoying new scenery. Do you ever wonder how we, the city folk, can totally benefit from nature?
Now that we’ve had more than enough of the mere thought of quarantine – the cursed word – our lives are returning to a bit of a faster pace this year, and that is something to look forward to as we rebuild parts of our lives that were on hold before. Many of us are now walking down a path that is somewhat unpredictable and unknown, and I, for one, think we should approach it with a mindful heart. In that sense, we can carry with us the simple values we discovered in the past year into this new season, one of which is the value of nature and being outdoors.
We tend to picture forests when we think of nature but I know in Cairo we have none of that nearby. A walk in your neighborhood, at your preferred sports club or at a public park is a great place to start. Anything works if you adjust your mindset.
If none of these options are convenient for you, do not let that stand in your way. You can always access a little outdoor space and make it your own, whether that looks like caring for plants and flowers on your balcony or going to a friend’s place that comes with a mini garden. Here are some ways you can make the most of it.
Crave the outdoors
The same way you hype yourself up when it comes to exercise and when you look forward to your first cup of coffee, you should remind yourself of the need to go outside everyday. After a while, it will seamlessly merge into your daily routine.
Take a break, but don’t disassociate
When you’ve had a long day of work or you find yourself stressed for whatever reason in the middle of your day, go outside, instead of mindlessly scrolling through Instagram for hours. This is the time to actively choose to rest. You can soak in the sun for a couple of minutes and smell the flower bush or the plants in your way, which brings me to my next point…
Gardening will make you happy
Research actually proves that soil contains microbes that, when breathed in, mimic the impact of serotonin on our brains, and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression! Don’t ask me how that works because it’s a wonder I can’t understand either. If you don’t believe it, try and see for yourself the difference in how you feel after you’ve spent some time in nature.
