I took a break from the depths of social media and blogging last weekend, and went to visit my dear friends and their kids in Northamptonshire. Sometimes there are stresses which not even the spa can fix, and I find a countryside retreat is the best thing to cure a worried mind.
The countryside is a destination in which you can be at peace with nature, and I'm convinced the woodlands have holistic healing powers. Allowing yourself to enjoy nature is a great way to detox, without even realising you're detoxing. It's easy, spend-free and calming. I love taking time out off the beaten tracks so much; I've created a list explaining why countryside retreats are so good for you health (and bank account).
It's free! Taking a walk with nature is so simple and completely free of charge. Taking in the clean, fresh air and breathing deeply costs £0.
You will be more mindful. When you are away from phones, a smokey city and the workplace; it's easy to take in the sights and smells the great outdoors has to offer. Whether it's a birdsong or fresh cut grass, the surroundings of greenery force you to live in the moment.
You will appreciate our beautiful, green planet. Once you are away from the smokey, loud, concrete jungle; you will appreciate how peaceful the country can be. It's green, it's clean and you will most definitely be able to see stars at night without all the light and smoke pollution. You may also take in a great, big trickling lake or waterfall.
You will slow down your pace of life. In the country locals are rarely in a rush and don't necessarily lead hectic lives. The peace of their surroundings bring them to a gentle halt and have a daily reminder to not rush through life.
Be adventurous and let your imagination run wild. Without the plethora of social media and public transport on your doorstep; both adults and children can let their imagination run wild by finding things to do in the woods (nothing cheeky). But taking a walk/bike ride, playing pooh sticks, or going on a nature trail are all good ways to enjoy the forest-life, and be quite entertaining.
The air is cleaner and a good 90% of the food is sourced from local produce and organic farms. One of the things which I really envy from my friend's place (despite their beautiful land, space, home orchard and beautifully decorated home) is the fact they have the ability to collect fresh eggs for breakfast every morning from their chicken coop. It may look like Guantanamo Bay, but they sure taste delicious! Living in the country is one of the reasons which encouraged my friends to eat clean and healthy - all of their food is prepped and cooked from scratch. You know what's going into your food and what's sitting on your plate, and it's so delicious and good for you.
Your body is more active. Just by spending an hour in a green garden, can do wonders for your mind and body. And taking in a lot of fresh, clean air can help you sleep well at night too. That and not scrolling through social media. More often than not; cellular availability is limited in the country and this means you will have to go old school by watching TV, listening to the radio or dare I say it; read a book on actual paper! I always find I tend to read more when I am in a place with poor phone signal.
You'll stumble among things you didn't even know existed. There are so many hidden gems and cute, little towns surrounding most countryside villages. Try cobbled streets with fresh bakeries, delicious cafes, fresh farmer's markets and town square's dedicated to history, architecture and culture. And let's not forget those traditional English pubs, with proper pints, a cosy log fire and usually a happy resident dog.
The scenery, views and photos you'll take are unrivalled. We are so lucky to live in a country which can go from tinsel-town to far, far, away - whether noisy streets and neon lights are more your thing, or secluded cottages and trickling rivers; it's safe to say Great Britain has something for everyone.
You'll see much more wildlife. Beside the rats on the Jubilee Line and your pet cat; what other animals do you encounter on a daily basis? Last weekend I was fortunate enough to see cows, sheep, alpacas, horses, dogs, foxes, pigs, peacocks and badgers. And no, I didn't go to a petting zoo...
So basically the countryside is great. Whether you're going for family, a romantic break or wellness - I guarantee you will come back home feeling relaxed and that little bit more happy. And with the UK having so many hidden treasures, hot-tub cottages, hike trails, horseback expeditions and much more; it's no wonder more and more folk are opting for staycations this holiday season - especially as the nights draw colder in Autumn. I love a little countryside retreat and will always take one, and drive to the middle of nowhere at least once a month. Living in Surrey, I have the benefit of both the city and country life and I would say I am the perfect balance of both at heart.
That's it for now, thanks for reading - keep on cooking and discovering!
Danie xxx
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