The importance of finding quiet in nature.

Now that the busy time of year is over and we are heading into the cooler months it is important to continue making time for the outdoors.

So often, we get caught up with our work and life routine that we forgot to make time for stillness and silence.

Being in nature helps to reduce anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.

Back in 2015/2016 I was lucky enough to be a hiking guide on the Milford Track in New Zealand. Working in one of the most beautiful places in the world, surrounded by mountains, water and wildlife was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. My role as a hiking guide involved taking hikers through the valley and to teach them about the landscape and the flora and fauna. Out there, it could be deathly silent or it was pumping with energy from the bird songs to the roaring river. It was during that summer I realised how much the outdoors needed to be a huge part of my life. Being able to stop and watch nature forced me to slow down and appreciate anything and everything without interruption.

Unfortunately, as the summer ended, so did the job. I then went into another tourism job, which involved working with Twin V8 700 hp jet boats – polar opposite to the calm outdoors. This job at its peak involved a high volume of customers every single day, sometimes reaching 1500 people. Not only did that bring a lot of stress, it also took a huge toll on my mental health. I had no energy for anyone and after work all I would want to do was to go to bed. It wasn’t until this year I realised that I had anxiety – something I had struggled with my whole life, however I had never understood that what I was feeling was anxiety. It never had a name.

The job became too much and I decided to pack my bags and run away to Australia. Since then, I have made it a priority to do something outside as often as I can.

These moments of stillness have allowed me to reconnect with myself and get through the week or even the day. Going for a walk can take all my anxiety away. These past two years have been tough on everyone so I encourage you to try get outside a little more. You don’t have to be actively exercising to get amazing benefits from it, just enjoy the moment. Let all your senses take in the surroundings and I guarantee you will feel calmer and re-energised.

Nina - Peake Health