In a world dominated by technology, deadlines and rushing from one thing to the next, most of us are aware of the value of switching off, taking some time to ourselves and getting outside. Activities like meditation, yoga, mindfulness colouring and forest bathing are becoming increasingly popular, as people crave ways of finding stillness. For me, gardening is at the top of the list when it comes to unwinding and appreciating nature. Time spent outside planting, getting my hands dirty and connecting with the Earth feels like the perfect antidote to hectic public transport, a busy inbox and devices constantly pinging with reminders. In fact, mental health charity Mind (mind.org.uk) promotes the benefits of time spent among nature, recommending outdoor activities, growing food or flowers and supporting the environment to help improve mood, reduce feelings of stress and boost self esteem.