Your relationship with Mother Nature will last your whole life, so it’s worth spending some quality time together.

Have you stepped outside and felt your mood change and energy lift? It’s not your imagination. A 2019 study found that spending just two hours per week in nature can directly improve health and wellbeing. So, why do we find ourselves indoors more often than any generation before us? Between the temptation of new Netflix shows and, ahem, a global pandemic, it’s easy to spend more time idling at home than wandering the great outdoors. But through small and simple changes, you can make sure you’re getting a sufficient dose of nature.

1. Green exercise

Once you’ve enjoyed the sensation of running through a quiet park on a breezy summer’s day, you’ll never want to set foot on a treadmill again. Hiking groups, outdoor yoga classes and tennis clubs are established in most urban areas, often informally through apps like Meetup. Find your tribe, hand over that gym pass, and head for the hills.

2. Bring nature home

Planting an indoor herb garden will benefit both your health and your cooking – plus the fresh, earthy scents will naturally fill your home. Let your miniature jungle grow beyond the kitchen and dot some potted plants around your living space, which studies suggest could directly reduce your stress levels. Subscription services like Leaf Envy take the hassle out of choosing, as well as providing care tips for specific plant types.

3. Make an outdoor date

Instead of a cinema date or post-work drinks, suggest venturing out into nature and try a gentle hike or sea swim. Chances are your friends will be feeling similarly drawn to the great outdoors; we could all do with more fresh air after Covid. Having someone to encourage you will help you both, and the shared experience will make your time outside more memorable.

4. Find your happy place

Whether it’s a bench by your local pond, a hilltop view of the sunrise or a pavement table at your favourite café, your happy place exists and it’s worth trying to find it. Bring a book and build positive memories there – soon the desire to return will override the easier option to binge another TV show.