The Biggest Simple Living Influencer
What do you do when you need inspiration for living a simple life? Do you read yet another book on minimalism? Devour all the lives of minimalists on Youtube? Or do you read countless articles on decluttering only to find you’re still stressed and stuck?
If that sounds like you, I’m here to tell you the inspiration is closer than you think. This inspiration is an influencer like no other with billions of views, yet is greatly underappreciated. And it’s closer than you think.
I’m talking about nature.
Before you slam the door on this idea, let me tell you that as a neurodivergent person who also struggles with mental health (most likely Cyclothymia), there’s no better panacea than a walk in nature.
Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how much you minimise your home, you need to experience the most natural state of the home we all share – Earth. We simply weren’t made to stay cooped up in cubicles and bricks.
Research shows that staying at home can cause depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and a host of physical health issues. Over time, it also contributes to feelings of loneliness and isolation which also has negative physical and emotional consequences.
You probably know how it feels when you’re overwhelmed with the modern world. Last week, that was me as I was buried in parenting challenges, appointments, home management, work, and fluctuating mental health. I don’t drive so I walk a lot every day, but if it’s one thing I’ve learnt about myself the past year, walking in built up areas among the rush of life does nothing for my mind or soul. In fact, I tend to absorb that feeling of bustle and brick and end up worse than when I set off.
So when I found myself with a couple of hours before picking my son up from school, I spontaneously went on a long nature walk in my neighbourhood. I’m lucky enough to live by two sprawling hilltop fields with the most achingly beautiful views. On a clear day, you can see for miles. Little homes nestled in the countryside, cars looking like glistening jewels in the distance, kestrels swooping majestically over trees and crops.
It reminds me of how small me and my worries really are in this world, as well as reminds me to appreciate my surroundings. Best of all – it’s completely free!
As I walked down the hill and over the bridge to the park, I noticed all the signs of spring, sometimes stopping to appreciate a beautiful flower or the gentle babbling of the creek. I even stopped on the railway bridge and watched a few trains rumble by, just how I used to with my dad as a small child.
When you take the time to stop in nature, it’s like being shaken awake from a deep slumber. From the mindless zombie-like stupor of our daily lives, and the rat race that keeps us from noticing.
Over the past year, as I’ve done more of these lengthy walks, I’ve realised I actually like the feeling of being lost. I love the shiny feeling of what I might see if I explore up that alley, or walk a little further.
That kind of thinking is often shut down by fear, but it was that curiosity that led to me discovering the adorable little woods nestled in our local village. In the middle of it was a beautiful wooden bench adorned with animal carvings where one could simply absorb the trees and birdsong. It’s the kind of space where it feels like an insult to take out a device.
By the time I walked back to fetch my son from school, I felt calm and renewed, still in awe of the beauty I’d seen on my midday adventure.
So if you’re struggling with overwhelm and can’t quite put your finger on what it is, go for a long walk in nature and set your mind free. Stop and notice. Listen. Breathe.
Please note that although I write about mental health, I’m not a medical professional so if you’re struggling with persistent mental health issues, please see your doctor.