Beaconsfield Together January and February 2024

JOURNALIST
A New Year
in Nature
Happy new year! As we start the New
Year this can be an exciting opportunity to
make inspiring resolutions to benefit not
only ourselves and our loved ones, but also
the wider community and environment.
Instead of unattainable aims, we can begin to
incorporate small habits into our routines which can
immensely benefit our health and happiness during
the dark and cold winter days.
Carving out more time in our hectic lives for
connecting to our natural surroundings and
being outside (despite the cold!) can be one of
the best methods of self-care and rejuvenation.
Not only does connection with nature benefit our
physical health and emotional wellbeing, it can
also help us to become more in tune with nature’s
rhythm - encouraging love for and preservation
of the planet.
During my GCSE exam period (with multiple
exams a week) I found myself returning outside to
take deep breaths in the fresh air, dissolving my
worries into the earth. The sight of the open sky,
the feeling of a cool breeze on your skin and
the smell of the earth after rain are commonly
known to be pleasant and stress-reducing but the
wellness benefits extend to our physical health too.
Increased life expectancy, improved sleep quality
and reducing cancer risk are all health benefits
associated with being outdoors in green spaces,
which we are blessed to be surrounded by.
Perhaps, waking up at 6amevery morning
for the gym is not compatible with everyone’s
lifestyle, but a few minutes taking deep breaths
and observing nature can also have a replenishing
effect on your health.
In particular, the practice of forest bathingdelivers
mental, physical and spiritual benefits and is
used as preventative health care in Japan.
Immunity-boosting and blood pressure
reduction are some of the physical benefits
whilst alleviation of the symptoms of depression
and a general improvement in mental health are
attributed to this practice. Being amongst trees
can also boost happiness and increase creativity.
A study by the University of Utah found that after
immersing people in nature for 3 days without
access to modern technology, their creative
problem solving increased by 50%. Feeling stuck
with work or other projects? A short walk amidst
trees could be the perfect mood booster.
To improve connection with nature, there
are many other small rituals we can add to our
daily routines for sustainable self-improvement in
the new year. Taking care of plants, gardening,
meditating in nature and doing exercise outside
are some examples of the plethora of ways
we can thrive in our natural habitat, the great
outdoors. The Swedish concept of ‘friluftsliv’ can
also inspire us to spend quality time in nature. This
is described as “a philosophical lifestyle based
on experiences of the freedom in nature and the
spiritual connectedness with the landscape.” By
increasing our awareness of, and gratitude for, the
moments spent in nature, we can increase clarity,
find balance with nature’s rhythms and step into
our calmest and happiest shoes every day.
Sanchi is a student in Little Chalfont.
The three things she loves most are
nature, people and writing. Uniting
these, she aims to create a brighter,
greener world!
Sanchi
Disclaimer
Please note: the opinions and findings expressed in this article are
solely those of the author and should not be assumed to be those of
Amersham and Chalfont Together or its affiliates.
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