With us all being advised to stay at home apart from essential shopping, medical needs or limited exercise each day, and to observe social distancing at all times, any time one can spend enjoyably away from home is particularly precious at the moment.
But how can this be achieved?
One possibility might be to combine daily exercise with experiencing nature, particularly with Spring hopefully on the way. If this feels like it might appeal, why not try the following?
1) Go on a walk to your favourite local green space, observing social distancing.
When you get there, take in as much as you can using all your senses. Are the birds singing? Are branches swaying in the breeze, Can you feel the wind against your face? Or anything else you notice.
If you are prevented from going out by illness or disability, sit in your favourite place at home, close your eyes if it helps, and let your mind take you where you want to go.
2) While you are doing the above, pay particular attention to how you are feeling. If something makes you feel good inside, no matter how briefly, make a mental note of it. It could be that seeing a dog, or seeing the first signs of plants appearing, or hearing birdsong, or seeing an old tree takes your fancy. Or anything else.
3) Continue in this way, making a mental note of those feelings and experiences that are positive.
4) When you have finished your journey, sit comfortably at home, rest and reflect on your experience. Bring to mind all the positive feelings and experiences with nature you had. See how this makes you feel.
Do this for at least a few minutes.
5) Bring those experiences and feelings to mind later on in the day as well.
6) If this process has helped you, repeat it as your form of exercise on other days as and when you feel like it.
Happy nature watching!