Stuck in the concrete jungle? Discover how to reconnect with nature through practical tips and mindful practices, allowing you to find a green escape right in the middle of the city. (By Getty Images)
Louis Armstrong’s, What A Wonderful World rings loud and clear – “to see trees of green, red roses too, skies of blue, and clouds of white”. Living in or exploring big cities where bright lights and the noise can overwhelm, it is easy to forget just how healing our wonderful natural world can be.
So if you’ve found yourself spending more time in concrete buildings and less time with your feet in the grass, here are our friendly suggestions on how you can reconnect with nature right where you are.
Go on daily walks
Get your steps in while reconnecting with nature by going on daily walks or runs. Find a local park where you work or live and dedicate a bit of time everyday to being outside. There are many parks in the city surrounded by plenty of greenery and lakes including the Perdana Botanical Garden, Titiwangsa Lake Park, and Ampang Hilir Lake Park amongst others. If you have a dog, Desa Park City is a lovely spot to take your furry friend on a walk.
Take your lunch breaks outside
Instead of eating at your desk, try taking your lunch breaks at an al fresco dining place, preferably one surrounded by trees and plants. If you’re up for it, pack a small picnic mat in your work bag and have a meal at a nearby park. It’s a small shift to make in your day that allows you to enjoy a little bit of fresh air and sunlight.
Plant a garden
Whether you live in a terrace or small apartment, anyone can plant a garden in their home. From urban farming to hydroponic towers and indoor plants, there are plenty of resources on how to grow a garden in your home regardless of its scale. Apart from the health benefits it offers such as improving the air quality in your home and reducing stress, it’s also a good way to encourage the whole family to get their hands dirty and be with nature consistently.
Set up an outdoor patio in your garden
If you live in a landed home, consider getting outdoor furniture. Picture having your breakfast, weekend lunches, coffee and dinners out in the garden with friends and family. Not only does it give you a different space to entertain guests while enjoying the outdoors but also creates a space to take mental breaks and relax. IKEA and other furniture stores have a range of outdoor furniture, lighting, pergolas, floor deckings and just about anything else you might need to build your garden sanctuary.
Pick up a class or hobby that requires you to be in nature
Fortunately for sunny ol’ Malaysia, there are endless outdoor activities that you can partake in over your free time. From horse riding at the Equestrian Putrajaya Park to stand up paddle boarding (SUP) at the Putrajaya Lake Club, there are a variety of classes and hobbies suitable for people of all ages. Try birdwatching at Bukit Kiara Park or go mountain biking on the Kiara Trail or joining the Kuala Lumpur Reads community at Perdana Botanical Garden. It does not have to be an expensive or unique hobby, just one you enjoy doing.
Schedule regular trips out of the city
The prescription for any city slicker is to not let too much time pass before you swim in an ocean or spend a few days at a hillside resort. Taking time away several times a year to immerse yourself in nature and log off is a good way to clear your mind and reset before heading back to the city. Whether you’re looking for cosy forest stay, beach escapes or riverfront abodes, Zafigo features several articles with suggestions of where you can book your next trip.
Get involved with community gardens
When it comes to nature-related activities, community gardens are a fun way to be outside while fostering healthy connections with the people in your neighbourhood. Communities like Eats, Shoots & Roots and Grow Subang Community Garden act as learning hubs while promoting edible gardening and sustainability through regular events and workshops for kids and adults alike. Get in touch with your local community garden and participate in their workshops or volunteer your time and services to their cause.
Volunteer at a reserve or conservation site
David Attenborough said that, “If children don’t grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it, and if they don’t understand it, they won’t protect it.” Although he’s addressing young people, the sentiment applies to us all. Living in the city, we forget the importance of harnessing tactile skills to nurture and protect our natural environment. We take for granted the rich biodiversity that is unique to our part of the world and how privileged we are to have it. If you’d like to volunteer at a nature reserve, animal rehabilitation or conservation site, here are a few places you can devote your time to:
