Healthy habits: Ways to connect to nature

There are countless studies out there highlighting the health benefits of connecting with nature daily. New Zealand’s Department of Conversation links it to an increase in self-esteem and resilience, reduction in stress and improved concentration and self-awareness, to name a few.
 
Part of Cadence’s Self-Love Challenge 2018 includes directing your attention to nature and proactively connecting with it in some way every week, if not every day. Here are Cadence Manager T’s recommendations on how to connect and enjoy nature at its finest.
 
We are so blessed to live in Christchurch as we are a stone’s throw away from mountain ranges and the sea – we truly get the best of both. Connecting with nature should be high on everyone’s agenda and by making experiences part of your routine the more benefits you’ll reap from embracing the great outdoors. Below are a couple of things you might enjoy. Some you can do easily, while others might require a short car journey – but it’s totally worth it!
 

• Now is the time to plant your vegetables. Planting vegetables or herbs is a great way to get the whole family involved in connecting with nature. Feel the soil and select vegetables you know you’ll get a lot of use from in the coming months.
• Smell the roses – literally! Start with Hagley Park’s rose garden if you don’t have any in your own backyard. Spend some time getting your sense of smell tuned into nature.
• Our beaches are some of the best in the world. Take your shoes off and walk along the beach. Kicking your shoes off is the critical part – you must be connected physically.
• As the weather warms, go for a swim, but for now start with a paddle in shallows.
• Sitting and simply listening is a grounding experience for most. You can do it anywhere outside, but the best spots on the forest or beach.
• Locate your nearest tree – look at it in a different light – do you know what kind of tree it is? Is it a native tree? Does it flower? Can you climb it?
• Walk/jog/run one of our many tracks (Godley Heads, Bridle Path and Rapaki Track are just some of our favourites.)
• Bring nature inside – house plants are the quickest way to connect with nature in your own home, plus particular plants are great at cleaning our air.
• Watch the sun rise or set at least once per week.
• Drive around the Peninsula and stop at one of the many Bays and EXPLORE (exploring is a pivotal part of connecting with nature and is so much fun when we allow ourselves to do it).