December is in full swing and my diary is filling up. With that comes the stress of shopping, working, having the right clothes to wear to holiday parties, trying to schedule in time for the gym, and eating good food to balance out the party fizz. Unfortunately, it doesn’t leave much time for relaxing.
When HoMedics reached out out to me about their new home Stretch mat, I was intrigued. My back is often “locked” (limited mobility, not a muscle spasm) when I see my physio at Function360 (probably from working at a desk and being a runner). He says I need to stretch out more. Because I teach spinning, have started lifting again, and run, that leaves little time for stretching or yoga. The busy holiday season means I have even less time to book a massage (even with Urban who come to your home. Get current offer using my referral code RMOLLI1A). The mat seemed like it was just what I needed to release and decompress without being too technical (technology and I don’t always get along) or taking up a lot of time.
It was so easy to set up. The hardest part was clearing a spot on my floor (we have too many dog beds and shoes). I simply pulled the mat out of the box, plugged it in and turned it on. There are four different settings: flow, stretch, twist and energize. The mat inflates itself during each program which last 7-10 minutes. All you need to do is close your eyes and lay there. There are three levels of intensity that allow people with injuries or pre-existing conditions to modify the stretch to a level that is comfortable to them. Most of the stretches are back extensions which are perfect for those who work at a desk all day or bend over at a counter or cash register. Personally, I would have liked the option for flexion too but understand that this would difficult to achieve laying supine on the ground.
The mat comes with a small pillow you can Velcro on to keep in place. It folds in half and Velcros shut for storage too. It would easily fit under a bed or in the back of the wardrobe when not in use. There is also a handle if you would like to carry the mat with you to and from the car when going on holiday.
I don’t think this mat will cure any long term back pains or conditions, but I do think it will help with relaxation while supplying a gentle massage and some guided mobilizing. In today’s crazy world, we never sit still and just be. This mat will allow you to do that when you have a few minutes at home. This month especially, please make a point to set aside time to relax. You just need 10-15 minutes with the mat and either silence or chilled out music. Leave the phone and any other distractions (pets, children, partners) in the other room. Focus on your breathing and reset your mental state.
I tried to make an unboxing video of myself setting up and using the mat. This one has a bit more info however:
The Stretch mat was provided to me to review. As always, all opinions are honest and my own. The affiliate link costs you, the buyer nothing additional but contributes to the running of this site.
As part of the Decathlon Bloggers’ Community, I was very happy to take part in their recent #sportforeverybody campaign. We wanted to demonstrate that anyone, no matter what there size or shape, is able to over their body in a way they enjoy. Most people think running is how they should get fit, but they actually don’t like running. One of the concepts I try to get across here on my blog is that you need to do what you love. Of course, you need to be a bit brave to try something new (and maybe a bit wacky) but you never know unless you try. This concept doesn’t just apply to sports, in my opinion, but also for going on adventures.
I have been so blessed that 2018 has been a big year of adventure for me. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and ran my first ultra marathon, which happened to be in a desert (race review coming soon). I also tried camping at a running festival in Wales and attended a yoga festival too. Turns out when you try new things, you need the equipment to go along with it. Because I wasn’t sure if I would actually enjoy all of these new experiences, I didn’t want to invest too much in the kit and supplies. When selecting what to invest is (vs borrow or hire), I reviewed the recommended packing lists and then made selections based on what I know about myself.
Inside of my 3-person black out tent. Sleeping bag and borrowed mat on the right. All my kit and foot on the left.
When planning for your adventure, consider if you are usually hot or cold. Me? I am always cold so it was worth it to me to invest in warm things. For example, I wanted to own a sleeping bag rather than borrow someone else’s (who knows the last time it was washed?). My Forclaz Helium sleeping bag* was warm enough for normal people to be out in 0 degree weather. I know myself, so I also used a sleeping bag liner* when camping in Wales and on Mount Kilimanjaro, which meant I was snug as a bug in a rug in these extreme (for me) temps. Then I used the liner by itself (instead of my sleeping bag) when camping in the desert. I also packed it as an act of desperation in case I couldn’t find a place to sleep in JFK airport during a 9 hour layover. Sleeping bags are something I would recommend investing in due to hygiene and maintaining a suitable body temperature. Nowadays, sleeping bags pack down small so they don’t take up too much storage space.
In case you hadn’t guess, I like sleeping but am a light sleeper due to various factors. I need to make sure I a comfortable no matter where I am (except I’m the car. I have no trouble falling asleep there). A sleeping mat or inflatable mattress is something that not everyone will need so it is a good thing to borrow from a friend. If you are travelling solo, a sleeping mat is a good option but can still be a bit bulky to carry. If the ground won’t be too rocky or cold, you might not even need it.
We now have an air mattress* for when I go camping with my husband. It helps keep us insulated from the ground and we don’t need to be spend too much time selecting the perfect place to pitch our tent. We had some friends visit last month and they used it in our living room as our normal inflatable mattress had a leak. The Quechua Air Comfort mattress was super easy to inflate with the built-in foot pump. Even though it wasn’t very thick, my friends said it was comfortable and warm. Again, it depends on how light a sleep you are and how much space you have if you need to invest in one or borrow from a friend.
My husband needs complete darkness to sleep, no matter where he is. It wasn’t until a friend mentioned waking up with the sun at Love Trails Festival, that I realized how amazing our Quechua black out tent* is. No long are we at the whim of sunrise when camping. We can sleep as late as we want! It is also great having a zippered ‘porch’ to store our shoes, which keeps the inside of the tent clean. The waterproof bottom goes about six inches up the sides as well, ensuring dry kit on the rainy days. A tent is something you can also borrow from a friend but if you start to go on adventures more often, it would probably be easier to have it on hand for last minute escapes.
Having a few cooking/eating containers is a good idea. It is always best be prepared for any adventure at any time. You will always need to eat when you are out exploring. I highly recommend a multi purpose pot* (as above) to cook food in or prepare overnight oats. This one also fits on my camping stove, which is fantastic. I also have a handy thick plastic bowl that doesn’t conduct heat, making it easy to hold when the foot is piping hot.
This insulated mug was it was on my list of required kit for my ultra. I never used it though because I don’t drink coffee or tea. It is handy to have in London for hot chocolates on cold days as we are making more of an effort to carry our own hot drink cups. I already carry a stainless steel water bottle with me at all times.
It isn’t an adventure without have to use a compass,* right? Decathlon’s basic model is on a lanyard with a transparent background to allow for map reading and orienteering. My husband, a geographer by training, was super excited when I brought it home. If you are just starting out with adventures, you might be able to borrow a compass when you need one but they are inexpensive and small so why not get one and practice your map reading skills? If there are maps involved on your trip, definitely have one. Your mobile phone won’t always have reception or battery power. You might have to go old school.
Just because I did some pretty crazy trips abroad this year, don’t think you need to do the same to be on an adventure. Micro adventures, such as camping in the backyard and going on a long walk that ends in a pub, are equally exciting. I like to think adventures take you into unknown or unusual situations which might even be outside your comfort zone. It is here that you will find personal growth.
A group of Adventure Queens
Also, remember you don’t have to go solo. If you would rather have someone else figure out all the details, signing up for an adventure with a tour group is a great option. In my opinion, it still counts as an adventure. And it saves you a lot of hassle and headaches if someone else plans the logistics, knows the area, and can advise you on how to prepare. Why make things harder for yourself as you build your confidence in trying new things? You will meet a bunch of new people on the trip who are interested in the same things you are too.
I hope my suggestions on what kit you need to own versus borrow have inspired you to get out there and find an adventure! Remember, if you need some inexpensive but quality kit, definitely check out Decathlon. Their stock tends to be seasonal so keep that in mind if you are planning head. If you don’t have a lot of room for new kit or don’t have a friend with what you need, Decathlon also hires out kit and has a 365 day return policy. Getting a car to carry everything might be the only obstacle to overcome. (I am serious. I will never go camping via public transport again).
What is a piece of adventure kit that you can’t live without? What do you tend to borrow? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Thanks to Decathlon get for gifting me the items marked with a * as part of their Bloggers’ Community. Items linked without an * are items I bought from Decathlon. All opinions are honest and my own.
As part of the Decathlon Bloggers’ Community, I was very happy to take part in their recent #sportforeverybody campaign. We wanted to demonstrate that anyone, no matter what there size or shape, is able to over their body in a way they enjoy. Most people think running is how they should get fit, but they actually don’t like running. One of the concepts I try to get across here on my blog is that you need to do what you love. Of course, you need to be a bit brave to try something new (and maybe a bit wacky) but you never know unless you try. This concept doesn’t just apply to sports, in my opinion, but also for going on adventures.
I have been so blessed that 2018 has been a big year of adventure for me. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and ran my first ultra marathon, which happened to be in a desert (race review coming soon). I also tried camping at a running festival in Wales and attended a yoga festival too. Turns out when you try new things, you need the equipment to go along with it. Because I wasn’t sure if I would actually enjoy all of these new experiences, I didn’t want to invest too much in the kit and supplies. When selecting what to invest is (vs borrow or hire), I reviewed the recommended packing lists and then made selections based on what I know about myself.
Inside of my 3-person black out tent. Sleeping bag and borrowed mat on the right. All my kit and foot on the left.
When planning for your adventure, consider if you are usually hot or cold. Me? I am always cold so it was worth it to me to invest in warm things. For example, I wanted to own a sleeping bag rather than borrow someone else’s (who knows the last time it was washed?). My Forclaz Helium sleeping bag* was warm enough for normal people to be out in 0 degree weather. I know myself, so I also used a sleeping bag liner* when camping in Wales and on Mount Kilimanjaro, which meant I was snug as a bug in a rug in these extreme (for me) temps. Then I used the liner by itself (instead of my sleeping bag) when camping in the desert. I also packed it as an act of desperation in case I couldn’t find a place to sleep in JFK airport during a 9 hour layover. Sleeping bags are something I would recommend investing in due to hygiene and maintaining a suitable body temperature. Nowadays, sleeping bags pack down small so they don’t take up too much storage space.
In case you hadn’t guess, I like sleeping but am a light sleeper due to various factors. I need to make sure I a comfortable no matter where I am (except I’m the car. I have no trouble falling asleep there). A sleeping mat or inflatable mattress is something that not everyone will need so it is a good thing to borrow from a friend. If you are travelling solo, a sleeping mat is a good option but can still be a bit bulky to carry. If the ground won’t be too rocky or cold, you might not even need it.
We now have an air mattress* for when I go camping with my husband. It helps keep us insulated from the ground and we don’t need to be spend too much time selecting the perfect place to pitch our tent. We had some friends visit last month and they used it in our living room as our normal inflatable mattress had a leak. The Quechua Air Comfort mattress was super easy to inflate with the built-in foot pump. Even though it wasn’t very thick, my friends said it was comfortable and warm. Again, it depends on how light a sleep you are and how much space you have if you need to invest in one or borrow from a friend.
My husband needs complete darkness to sleep, no matter where he is. It wasn’t until a friend mentioned waking up with the sun at Love Trails Festival, that I realized how amazing our Quechua black out tent* is. No long are we at the whim of sunrise when camping. We can sleep as late as we want! It is also great having a zippered ‘porch’ to store our shoes, which keeps the inside of the tent clean. The waterproof bottom goes about six inches up the sides as well, ensuring dry kit on the rainy days. A tent is something you can also borrow from a friend but if you start to go on adventures more often, it would probably be easier to have it on hand for last minute escapes.
Having a few cooking/eating containers is a good idea. It is always best be prepared for any adventure at any time. You will always need to eat when you are out exploring. I highly recommend a multi purpose pot* (as above) to cook food in or prepare overnight oats. This one also fits on my camping stove, which is fantastic. I also have a handy thick plastic bowl that doesn’t conduct heat, making it easy to hold when the foot is piping hot.
This insulated mug was it was on my list of required kit for my ultra. I never used it though because I don’t drink coffee or tea. It is handy to have in London for hot chocolates on cold days as we are making more of an effort to carry our own hot drink cups. I already carry a stainless steel water bottle with me at all times.
It isn’t an adventure without have to use a compass,* right? Decathlon’s basic model is on a lanyard with a transparent background to allow for map reading and orienteering. My husband, a geographer by training, was super excited when I brought it home. If you are just starting out with adventures, you might be able to borrow a compass when you need one but they are inexpensive and small so why not get one and practice your map reading skills? If there are maps involved on your trip, definitely have one. Your mobile phone won’t always have reception or battery power. You might have to go old school.
Just because I did some pretty crazy trips abroad this year, don’t think you need to do the same to be on an adventure. Micro adventures, such as camping in the backyard and going on a long walk that ends in a pub, are equally exciting. I like to think adventures take you into unknown or unusual situations which might even be outside your comfort zone. It is here that you will find personal growth.
A group of Adventure Queens
Also, remember you don’t have to go solo. If you would rather have someone else figure out all the details, signing up for an adventure with a tour group is a great option. In my opinion, it still counts as an adventure. And it saves you a lot of hassle and headaches if someone else plans the logistics, knows the area, and can advise you on how to prepare. Why make things harder for yourself as you build your confidence in trying new things? You will meet a bunch of new people on the trip who are interested in the same things you are too.
I hope my suggestions on what kit you need to own versus borrow have inspired you to get out there and find an adventure! Remember, if you need some inexpensive but quality kit, definitely check out Decathlon. Their stock tends to be seasonal so keep that in mind if you are planning head. If you don’t have a lot of room for new kit or don’t have a friend with what you need, Decathlon also hires out kit and has a 365 day return policy. Getting a car to carry everything might be the only obstacle to overcome. (I am serious. I will never go camping via public transport again).
What is a piece of adventure kit that you can’t live without? What do you tend to borrow? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Thanks to Decathlon get for gifting me the items marked with a * as part of their Bloggers’ Community. Items linked without an * are items I bought from Decathlon. All opinions are honest and my own.
The biggest worry people seemed to have about my desert ultra was how I was going to stay hydrated. In actual fact, more people tend to suffer from hyponatremia during these sorts of events than dehydration. Hyponatremia happens when you drink too much water and the salts in your body reach a low concentration. I remember hearing stories of people dying from chugging water for a radio contest or when pledging a fraternity (because they were under age). Careful planning went into the food and supplements I brought with me to Jordan. I chose salty foods, like Lucky Me instant noodles and pretzels. I also brought Tailwind and nuun tablets, both of which provide electrolytes by dissolving the product in your water. Finally, I invested in salt tablets from Decathlon as an additional preventative measure.
The week before the race, I started taking the salt tablets as directed on the bottle to make sure I could stomach them and also to start off with a higher-than-normal salt concentration. I avoided drinking loads in the week leading up to the race and on the plane. Starting off my adventure with a hangover would not be wise. My plan was to space out the salt suppliments I had evenly throughout the day and hope it did the trick.
It is hard to know exactly how much salt is gained or lost during an ultra. I couldn’t really see what color my urine was nor did I have a lot of salt sweat on my skin. I was drinking 1-2 liters of water every 10k with either a serving of Tailwind or nuun. The food was pre-planned out but could be swapped if I felt thirsty or a bit off. Luckily, I did something right as I was able to maintain my body weight, muscle mass and percent body fat over the 5 days. Some people lost as much as 10kg while most lost 2-3kg. One person even gained weight (I have no idea how!). This is reflection of what they ate and drank over the entire week, not just during the running bits. One person needed an IV after day 4 and another started to exhibit signs of hyponatremia. She quit for the day after a short trip to the ambulance.
We finished the race on a Friday and spent half of Saturday on a bus and half walking around Petra in the midday sun. We also partied hard on Friday and Saturday, celebrating our crazy feat. When I got home on Sunday night, I was exhausted from the ultra, the Jordan heat, the late night parties and the early morning flight. Luckily, I had a visit from the IV Doc booked in as my last defense against my body rebelling against a tough week.
What is the IV Doc? It is a visiting nurse service that comes to your home, work, gym, etc to administer saline in addition to detoxifying and energizing additives, such as vitamins and amino acids. When I made the appointment in August, I had to complete a short medical history questionnaire and have a screening call with the doctor. The at-home visit was eight hours after I landed from Jordan but I still sent them my flight details just in case I was delayed. The IV Doc confirmed my appointment for an antioxidant IV hydration therapy 24 hours in advance by email too so I wouldn’t forget in my jet lag haze.
My experience My nurse, Judy, arrived at my home with a suitcase full of goodies. She had saline, liquid vitamins, syringes, and everything else needed for my treatment. She reviewed my medical history, allergies and asked how I was feeling. With my info, she said she wouldn’t be able to give me one specific solution due to my allergy to sulfa drugs but she could give me extra vitamin B with an intramuscular injection. We then called the doctor to confirm my prescription. I actually talked to him too about my allergy and current medications.
Once we got the all clear from the doctor, we set me up on the couch with Bridezillas on the television and a needle in my arm. My husband got Judy and I tea and we chatted for a while about my race, her upcoming wedding, and working for the NHS. After 30 minutes, Judy increased the drip speed as I hadn’t had any ill effects. It took just over an hour for the bag to drain entirely. The time passed quickly though as she was very easy to talk to. Before the appointment, I was wondering what the nurse does during the treatment. Judy said it depends on the person and where they are having the treatment. She said people at work tend to be more tense and formal, while home visits are relaxed.
I had read that some people get the chills during the at-home IV treatments, but I was comfortable the entire time. The needle didn’t bother me and I didn’t have to go to the bathroom during the drip. When the bag was nearly empty, Judy unhooked me, tidied everything up and took all of the waste with her. My husband and I didn’t have to worry about needles in the rubbish, which was a relief. In total, the appointment took about two and a half hours. It was wonderful to have the treatment in my home, rather than having to travel to an office after a grueling week of travel.
Who is this service for? Judy told me that athletes use The IV Doc before and or after big competitions. Entertainers who have a long gig (such as at a festival) or two performance a day (matinee and evening) have also booked in with her. Obviously, after traveling is a popular choice, as well as after a big night out that results in a hangover. It is something that would have been a game changer during the Wadi Rum Ultra for participants who were struggling a bit (I am going to suggest it to the organizers). My treatment was designed to help me get back to a balanced state by providing immediate hydration. The solution also boosted my immune system and helped increase my oxygen delivery to improve my energy levels and fight fatigue.
The following day, I was back to work and feeling fine. I was still a little stiff but my feet were less swollen and I slept well. It was back to normal life after an incredible experience I will never forget.
Thanks to the The IV Doc for the complementary service. All opinions are honest and my own.
The biggest worry people seemed to have about my desert ultra was how I was going to stay hydrated. In actual fact, more people tend to suffer from hyponatremia during these sorts of events than dehydration. Hyponatremia happens when you drink too much water and the salts in your body reach a low concentration. I remember hearing stories of people dying from chugging water for a radio contest or when pledging a fraternity (because they were under age). Careful planning went into the food and supplements I brought with me to Jordan. I chose salty foods, like Lucky Me instant noodles and pretzels. I also brought Tailwind and nuun tablets, both of which provide electrolytes by dissolving the product in your water. Finally, I invested in salt tablets from Decathlon as an additional preventative measure.
The week before the race, I started taking the salt tablets as directed on the bottle to make sure I could stomach them and also to start off with a higher-than-normal salt concentration. I avoided drinking loads in the week leading up to the race and on the plane. Starting off my adventure with a hangover would not be wise. My plan was to space out the salt suppliments I had evenly throughout the day and hope it did the trick.
It is hard to know exactly how much salt is gained or lost during an ultra. I couldn’t really see what color my urine was nor did I have a lot of salt sweat on my skin. I was drinking 1-2 liters of water every 10k with either a serving of Tailwind or nuun. The food was pre-planned out but could be swapped if I felt thirsty or a bit off. Luckily, I did something right as I was able to maintain my body weight, muscle mass and percent body fat over the 5 days. Some people lost as much as 10kg while most lost 2-3kg. One person even gained weight (I have no idea how!). This is reflection of what they ate and drank over the entire week, not just during the running bits. One person needed an IV after day 4 and another started to exhibit signs of hyponatremia. She quit for the day after a short trip to the ambulance.
We finished the race on a Friday and spent half of Saturday on a bus and half walking around Petra in the midday sun. We also partied hard on Friday and Saturday, celebrating our crazy feat. When I got home on Sunday night, I was exhausted from the ultra, the Jordan heat, the late night parties and the early morning flight. Luckily, I had a visit from the IV Doc booked in as my last defense against my body rebelling against a tough week.
What is the IV Doc? It is a visiting nurse service that comes to your home, work, gym, etc to administer saline in addition to detoxifying and energizing additives, such as vitamins and amino acids. When I made the appointment in August, I had to complete a short medical history questionnaire and have a screening call with the doctor. The at-home visit was eight hours after I landed from Jordan but I still sent them my flight details just in case I was delayed. The IV Doc confirmed my appointment for an antioxidant IV hydration therapy 24 hours in advance by email too so I wouldn’t forget in my jet lag haze.
My experience My nurse, Judy, arrived at my home with a suitcase full of goodies. She had saline, liquid vitamins, syringes, and everything else needed for my treatment. She reviewed my medical history, allergies and asked how I was feeling. With my info, she said she wouldn’t be able to give me one specific solution due to my allergy to sulfa drugs but she could give me extra vitamin B with an intramuscular injection. We then called the doctor to confirm my prescription. I actually talked to him too about my allergy and current medications.
Once we got the all clear from the doctor, we set me up on the couch with Bridezillas on the television and a needle in my arm. My husband got Judy and I tea and we chatted for a while about my race, her upcoming wedding, and working for the NHS. After 30 minutes, Judy increased the drip speed as I hadn’t had any ill effects. It took just over an hour for the bag to drain entirely. The time passed quickly though as she was very easy to talk to. Before the appointment, I was wondering what the nurse does during the treatment. Judy said it depends on the person and where they are having the treatment. She said people at work tend to be more tense and formal, while home visits are relaxed.
I had read that some people get the chills during the at-home IV treatments, but I was comfortable the entire time. The needle didn’t bother me and I didn’t have to go to the bathroom during the drip. When the bag was nearly empty, Judy unhooked me, tidied everything up and took all of the waste with her. My husband and I didn’t have to worry about needles in the rubbish, which was a relief. In total, the appointment took about two and a half hours. It was wonderful to have the treatment in my home, rather than having to travel to an office after a grueling week of travel.
Who is this service for? Judy told me that athletes use The IV Doc before and or after big competitions. Entertainers who have a long gig (such as at a festival) or two performance a day (matinee and evening) have also booked in with her. Obviously, after traveling is a popular choice, as well as after a big night out that results in a hangover. It is something that would have been a game changer during the Wadi Rum Ultra for participants who were struggling a bit (I am going to suggest it to the organizers). My treatment was designed to help me get back to a balanced state by providing immediate hydration. The solution also boosted my immune system and helped increase my oxygen delivery to improve my energy levels and fight fatigue.
The following day, I was back to work and feeling fine. I was still a little stiff but my feet were less swollen and I slept well. It was back to normal life after an incredible experience I will never forget.
Thanks to the The IV Doc for the complementary service. All opinions are honest and my own.
This weekend I had the pleasure of attending Wild and Well Festival in Bristol. It offered four different themes: Move, Explore, Connect and Eat, with workshops, panel discussion, fitness classes, and demonstrations across five venues. For me, the theme of nature and being outdoors kept cropping up as I thought about my happiest moments, what calms me, and why I take on crazy fitness challenges. I also learned about the Blue Mind movement, which has sparked my interest as marine biologist, personal trainer and health coach. After the NYC Marathon, I will be reading up on these in my down time and sharing the highlights with you here on the blog and on social media (click on pink circle to the right to follow me).
It absolutely makes sense to me that being outside and connecting with nature can have healing powers. This really became clear to me after visiting Cape Town in February 2017. Two weeks in the sunshine and one week along the sea changed my outlook on life. I now know I need to be outside as much as possible, with a good dose of Vitamin Sea to be content, as well as ample sunshine. I found a sense of calm and enjoyed being alone in my thoughts while visiting South Africa. Part of this was due to a semi-digital detox without a SIM card to stay connected when away from my hotel. Think about how much time you spend each day being bombarded with emails, phone calls, text messages, meetings, and personal space invasions while on public transport. Removing technology can make a big difference in how you experience your free time.
Taking the path less traveled
As I spent Sunday outside in the chilly sun of along Bristol’s harbor side, I realized how hard it can be for people living in cities to find ways to be in nature and/or unplugged. Available green spaces in cities might be small, with audio stimulation from traffic and visual stimulation from people walking by. Areas with water, such as rivers, streams, canals or reservoirs, are even harder to come by when landlocked. When was the last time you sat alone in the woods or a field and took in your surroundings?
Walking wild
If you make an effort though to visit nature, maybe not daily, but at least once a week, (and leave the phone at home), it will help calm your body and mind. City life is overstimulating. Being alone in nature can help combat the effects. Here are some tips on how to find and enjoy the experience of nature healing:
When you get to an open green (or blue) space, turn off any music you might be listening to and silence your phone. Listen to wind, trees and birds around you. Breathe deeply and listen to your breath.
If you live in London, walk along the towpath in the early morning when it is least busy. Look at your surroundings rather than down in front of your feet.
Flotation therapy, such as that offered by Floatworks in London, is where you float in super salty water in a pod which allows for sensory deprivation in a meditative state. You will experience physical and mental relief of life’s stressors that occur outside the tank. This is a great option to try if you cannot find green space or water near where you live.
Consider a train or bus journey to the woods or coast for a day trip off the grid.
Book an active holiday where you bike, hike, swim, run, or camp.
Capri length can be a good options in the spring and autumn
Dress appropriately so you enjoy the moment rather than worry about rain or temperatures. I know I can be miserable if I am too hot or too cold! The Jack Wolfskin tank show in the photos is great for warm days and for layering in the autumn. The cut is very flattering for someone who has wider hips, like me. Capri length trousers (such as the ones in the photos by Jack Wolfskin) are helpful too when the seasons are changing and you aren’t sure if the temps will be the same in the afternoon as they were in the morning. You never know what will happen so have some layering options in your bag if you can, including hat, gloves and rain jacket.
Look at the plants and wildlife as you explore. See what you recognize and what you need to learn more about. You might want to pick up a flora or fauna guide to help you identify what you saw during your time in nature.
I love having my dog with me on my walks
Do you ever feel the urge to be explore in green space? How do you feel when your phone is off and you are alone in your thoughts? What is your favorite part of being out in nature? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Thanks to Simply Hike for providing me with the Jack Wolfskin kit to review. All opinion are honest and my own.
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