The clocks go back, but now is not the time to hibernate

As the clocks turn back this season, we’ve been reminded that despite our self-image as nature enthusiasts, research suggests that the UK is more disconnected from the natural world than many of our European counterparts. This disconnect affects not only the health of our environment but our own sense of well-being as well. While the shorter days and longer nights of autumn might seem like a barrier to engaging with nature, experts propose that reconnecting can be as simple as incorporating a few everyday activities into our routine.

Miles Richardson, a nature engagement educator, shares eight activities that can foster a renewed relationship with the natural world, emphasizing that it’s not about the time spent outdoors, but rather how we choose to experience it.

**1. Actively Notice Nature**
Many of us saunter past birds or stroll through parks without truly observing our surroundings. Our preoccupied minds often miss the sensory gifts nature offers. By tuning into the sights, sounds, and sensations around us—like the chirping of birds—we can transform passive walking into a meaningful experience. Richardson’s first activity involves noticing three good things in nature each day. Participants are encouraged to take a weeklong challenge to document their observations, which could range from the delicate song of a robin to the rustle of leaves in the wind.

**2. Embrace the Rhythms of Day and Night**
Our biological clocks are finely tuned to the natural rhythms of day and night, significantly affecting our sleep and emotional regulation. Richardson suggests taking a dusk walk as darkness falls, observing how the light transitions and listening for the different sounds around us as wildlife prepares for night.

**3. Experience the Soft Fascination of Nature**
Nature’s visuals can draw us in effortlessly, granting our overstimulated minds a needed respite. Just 40 seconds of gazing at the outdoors can evoke a calming effect, promoting relaxation. Richardson recommends finding a bench near falling autumn leaves to soak in the tranquility and diverse textures of the surroundings.

**4. Relish the Joy of Birds**
Birds are not just beautiful; they hold cultural and spiritual significance, embodying freedom and renewal. Their songs correspond with a reduction in stress, making birdwatching not just a hobby but a path to improved well-being. Spend a few moments observing birds in your area, appreciating their movements and presence without the need for equipment or in-depth identification.

**5. Acknowledge Our Invisible Friends**
We are home to a myriad of microorganisms that play crucial roles in our health. To connect with these invisible companions, Richardson recommends visiting ancient woodlands, sitting quietly, and breathing deeply to inhale the fresh, life-giving air.

**6. Discover Flower Power**
Focusing on a single element of nature, such as a flower, can yield significant health benefits. Research reveals that simply gazing at a flower can decrease blood pressure and stress levels almost immediately. Find a flower, spend some time admiring it, and ponder its deeper meanings and personal significance.

**7. Care for Nature**
Sustainability requires mutual care. Richardson advocates for allowing some “messiness” in our gardens and local parks to create habitats for wildlife. By leaving natural growths and habitats intact, we help ensure that nature can thrive, benefiting both flora and fauna.

**8. Keep Noticing**
Finally, nurturing a connection with nature requires ongoing commitment. Richardson encourages everyone to pause throughout their day—whether in urban settings or rural landscapes—to notice the small wonders around them, from a blooming flower to the silhouette of a bird.

Richardson’s insights, illustrated in his book *The Blackbird’s Song & Other Wonders of Nature*, serve as a reminder that immersing ourselves in nature can begin with simple, intentional acts. By embracing these practices, we can not only enhance our own well-being but also foster a deeper relationship with the world around us.