Re-energise and rebalance in nature.

And breathe.....

I am gradually easing towards a week off, and instead of abruptly stopping, I've been mindful of taking an hour now and then for myself. So, I went for a walk at one of my favourite spots in the forest.

After parking the car, strolling across the small stretch of heath, I could hear the gorse seeds popping in the late morning sun and a lapwing calling in the distance.

It wasn't long before I crossed the road and entered through the gate to where my heart was guiding me. This unique little woodland is rich in wildlife amidst the hazel coppice and wildflowers of this ungrazed area. Bees buzzed around the bramble flowers, and a roe deer peeked at me through the gently swaying hornbeam branches, adorned with their delicate, fairy-like blossoms.

Woundwort, willowherb, and foxgloves added shades of pink against the various greens, while dandelions and St John's wort brought a sunny yellow to the bramble and dog rose verges.

Standing still for a moment to allow the sun on my face and to feel the warm breeze, the woodland was humming with pollinators, and the susurration from the trees whispered in tune. The birds were silent in the midday sun, but the rustle of squirrels could be heard on the dry forest floor. I watched a tree creeper mechanically move up the side of a tree and a vole dash across my path.

As my time out was drawing to a close, the thoughts of my afternoon schedule began to return, signalling it was time to leave through the gate. The heat on the heath had intensified, but I listened once more to the popping of gorse seeds. The trees were laden with crab apples, and I spotted a common lizard quickly darting away as I approached the gorse to hear its popping more closely. After taking one final deep breath of fresh forest air, I unlocked my car, ready to head back to work feeling refreshed, focused, and content from taking time away from my "busy" to re-energize and rebalance.

Not only is it a pleasure to do this consciously, but it's also a responsibility when you dedicate your time and energy to others. You can't assist others if you're not taking care of yourself. Here's a gentle reminder for caregivers, nurses, doctors, teachers, counsellors, healers, and anyone who holds space for others in any capacity:

"spend 20 minutes in nature every day, unless you're busy, in which case, spend an hour."