The burn-out that many people have been experiencing with the pandemic is real. Many governments around the world announced a series of similar decisions to close down businesses and functions requiring contact to stem the virus. That decision has been successful for some while detrimental for others.
As much as travel can improve one’s mental and physical health, connecting with nature can also do that. With the situation being what it is, you’re most likely to visit nature parks and other green places through a CCTV camera lens or something better. It’s one of the options, but there are many others you can choose from.
If you’re planning to go and enjoy nature along with the outdoors, please see the guidelines established by the authorities. Otherwise, read on and find out how you can have your relaxing nature stroll, even during the pandemic.
Fauna visiting your garden
If you live in a rural landscape, chances are that you’re used to having different species of wildlife in your garden. Even during mid-winter, the fauna you see might be more interesting than if you live in the city. You might even be exercising and still have ‘visitors’ join you in your session, without having to go on a nature trail or a reserve.
If you want, you can finish small projects to make your garden wildlife-friendly. You can create a small pond for fish or plant small shrubs and trees to accommodate birds and other small mammals. What you put in your garden is completely up to you.
Fauna in the great outdoors
If you’re feeling the wanderlust take over you, you can choose to go to a nature reserve or a park that’s local to where you live. Chances are there’s a wider variety of wildlife here because no one is living here. You’ll get your share of nature while enjoying the fact that there are other ‘visitors’ strolling the park alongside you.
Just remember to wear winter clothing when walking outside during the weather. You should also never forget to bring a mask and other protective gear with you to remain protected against COVID-19 while you enjoy the friendly stroll.
Foraging for Foliage
If you choose, you can also make like the very first hunter-gatherers. Winter might be a quiet time for foragers, but there are some good pickings too. Rosehips are still around, as is gorse. If you’ve got the hankering for syrup and kick mead, then winter is the right time to try to pick them off.
Remember not to pick a shrub or a tree clean of them. Other animals are also dependent on these fruits or herbs. You should also never uproot a plant if you plan to use its leaves and fruits. Remember to keep sustainable foraging in your mind, and you’ll go through the path okay.
Go on a Virtual Collection Trip
If you want, you can play the good Samaritan and help your neighbors and friends by hosting a virtual trip. Go around your locale and take pictures of interesting things, birds, and other objects that may be of huge significance to an individual or a group of nature observers.
Searching far and wide for the birds and scenery to take pictures of can take a toll, but it’s a good physical activity. The greens should help you regain some of your mental health for the days ahead. You’ll also benefit from taking pictures which you can later view by yourself or share with others.
Just Going Virtual
Perhaps the final thing in dealing with nature and trying to get some green in your life is to stay at home. Some people can afford to curate nature and take pictures of interesting things. If you can’t afford to leave home, then don’t leave at all.
There might be places available on the Web that are located in other places. These should suffice if you want a new place to visit every week. Take the best of the web and use it — it’ll be good for your mental health.
Nature is always the best healing for people fed-up with working at home or just staying at home. While escaping the pandemic is a good reason for not trying to go anywhere at all, the thing is that people are creatures meant to travel. If you can’t control your wanderlust, give in to it — but remember to try to be responsible as you do and think of the people’s safety on the trip with you.
