Let's Take a Walk on the Wild Side...

There's a quote that says, "The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man." - Unknown.
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I couldn't agree more!😊

Student life can be overwhelming. 

I spend most of my days running from one place to another, making sure that I catch the train or the bus to school on time. And when I'm not in school, I'm working on my assignments or studying for my exams, and making sure that the rest of my life is in order - not to mention putting some time aside for blogging as well. And although I enjoy having a lot to do, I sometimes need to give my body and my mind a break from it all.

So I escape by going for a walk in nature! 👣

"Let's wonder where the WiFi is weak..."
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Taking walks in nature has been found to not only improve one's mental and physical health, but it also reduces stress levels and improves one's mood.
I usually go for walks in nearby parks with my friend, Emmie, find a bench to sit on, and enjoy a long conversation with her. Although I usually have my phone with me, I prefer to keep it off during my walks.
Our conversations seem to change when we're outdoors. We are both more relaxed, we forget to worry about things we can't control, and so stories flow more easily between us. Overall, we tend to be more open & honest with each other. It also helps that we're not constantly being interrupted by Whatsapp messages coming in on our phones. ​

​"We do not see nature with our eyes, but with our understanding & our hearts." - William Hazlitt.
Sometimes I find traces of other people's previous visits to the parks I visit, and it warms my heart. ❤️
I was recently talking to Emmie about how unfortunate it is that we will never get to know much about half the people we meet on a daily basis - be it the ones travelling on public transport with us or even those dining at the same restaurants as us.
But these little signs make me feel a little bit better about that. Even though I'll never get to talk to some of these people, these kind of things make me feel connected to them in a way. Soppy, I know. Lol.
But it's true! 
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The Netherlands is also famous for its waterfront houses which are so different to what I'm used to. I love the idea of looking out of the window and seeing someone cruising down the canal on a boat!
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It definitely beats looking out and staring at another building or a busy road.

"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul." - John Muir.

Last but not least, nature helps me recharge. It's a great way to just let go of all that's been mentally holding me back, and go back into the world feeling refreshed.
I've also found it to be one of the most effective remedies for any form of creative block. I'd hardly been halfway through one of my recent walks when, after days of experiencing writer's block, all these creative ideas started forming in my mind! 
I highly recommend going for walks to anyone who is in need of an escape from their daily routine. I know some of you have even busier schedules than I do, but I think it's important for all of us to take time out every now and then to just stop and smell the roses, don't you?😉
Although a park would be the ideal place to go for one, quiet paths or a different route home can work, too.

Have you found anything else to be as effective when it comes to giving yourself a break from your daily routine?  If so, I'd love to know. 

- ✗O✗O.