Dossier
Natureheals
The evidence is compelling – regular time in nature is essential for the wellbeing of your body, mind and soul. Anita Chaudhuri explores accessible ways to connect more intimately with Mother Earth, even if you live in a city. Join her and rebuild yourself in the natural world
Writing in her beautiful visual diary, The Wild Remedy: How Nature Mends Us, Emma Mitchell notes: ‘Taking a daily walk among plants and trees is as medicinal as any talking cure… even if it’s only for five or 10 minutes. Seeing the blackthorns and lime tree opposite our cottage induces a response in me that I can only describe as a neuronal sigh of relief.’
Who doesn’t need that right now? It’s an idea backed by science – a study* reveals that just 10 minutes in nature helps you feel happier and reduces anxiety. But what if, like me, you’ve never considered yourself the outdoorsy type? I wouldn’t know a blackthorn if it jumped up and stabbed me. Or a lime tree, for that matter. When you grow up in a city, you don’t learn this stuff. How can you appreciate what you cannot identify?
Deepen the bond
‘You can go to any green space and maybe pick one or two leaves from a tree or plant that you’re drawn to, or photograph them,’ Mitchell tells me. ‘Afterwards, you can look them up in a book or share your images online. There are loads of people out there who will tell you what species it is.