Living in lockdown has been tough for many of us. With our outside time reduced to taking out the rubbish, getting groceries, walking to the mailbox and short strolls around the neighbourhood, we’re craving connection with nature more than ever.
And keeping our connection with nature is so important. Studies have shown that nature is good for mental health - it can reduce stress and anxiety, and elevate your mood even if you’re only looking at a beautiful photo of nature.
To help share those good vibes, we’ve put together a few simple ideas to help get you acquainted with Mother Nature, especially if you’re unable to leave your home, have limited access or you don’t have much time. We’ve included a few suggestions for indoor activities too.
1. Let nature into your living room
Let nature into your living room and surround you virtually. Download one of our stunning backgrounds featuring images from our global photo contest. You can use it as a Zoom background, on your desktop or tablet. Choose your virtual background below.
Click on 'download' and your image will be saved straight into your browser's download folder.
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The Bungle Bungles
Only silence and the stars at the Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park, WA. DOWNLOAD >
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Anenomnefish
An anenomnefish shelters in tentacles of a closed up reef anemone. DOWNLOAD >
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Nullarbor Coastline
A bucket-list Aussie road trip! DOWNLOAD >
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Whale Shark
A whale shark swimming in the depths of Ningaloo Reef, WA. DOWNLOAD >
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Wetland
at Gayini, NSW DOWNLOAD >
It’s one way for nature to bring you solace from your own home. Transport yourself to some of nature’s most stunning scenes and share the natural world you love so much with your friends, colleagues and family.
2. Make contact with the earth
Tend to a veggie patch or herb garden, play in the sand or make mud pies with little ones. It can be fun discovering your inner child again.
You can also go outside, take off your shoes and socks and sink your bare feet into the grass. Don’t want to get your hands and feet dirty? You can find a tree, place your palm on the trunk. And if you’re feeling the love, give it a big tree-hug! Just lean in and wrap your arms around it.
3. Bring nature indoors
You can get creative with this one 😄. Get some houseplants, create a terrarium or keep a jar of fresh flowers. Start a leaf or a pinecone rose collection. If you’re lucky enough to be close to a beach, gather some shells and sand and put it in a display jar.
4. Wake up with nature
When you wake up, open your window and stand in front of it. Look outside and take in all the beauty of nature. Breathe in. Notice the smells, colour of the sky, the shapes of the clouds, the sounds of the birds, and the colours of leaves. Allow the natural world to keep you in the moment.
5. Learn more about nature
Learn about nature through podcasts and documentaries. We have a short series of podcasts about our on-the-ground conservation work around the world. Start by listening to our Caribbean coral reef restoration podcast here.
There’s also plenty of documentaries to broaden your nature knowledge. They’re easily accessible on YouTube and paid platforms.
When Nature Thrives, We Thrive!
Nature is healing, it’s calming, and it’s part of us — All of us. And we must do everything we can to conserve it! Please make the most generous gift you can today. Every gift over $2 may be tax deductible.