Despite having lived in two busy and bustling cities – Dubai and London – I love spending my time outdoors in nature. Sometimes that can be hard in Dubai, as during half of the year it’s too hot to spend a lot of time outdoors and it’s not the kind of city where you can walk everywhere unlike most European cities. However, I still manage to find lots of ways to connect with nature and in this blog post, I’m going to share them with you. Even if you don’t live in Dubai, this advice can still apply for any city!

Embrace what your city has to offer

I used to have this image that connecting to nature in a city meant going to parks filled with grass and trees and lakes – this is not what connecting with nature has to look like. In fact, for a city like Dubai that just doesn’t work with our climate. Instead, expand on your idea of what it looks like to connect with nature. Instead of the stereotypical green parks, think of sand dunes, desert walks, and an oasis. It can be different!

Gardening

Gardening is not only for old people! At my school, we grow fruits and vegetables in a garden and harvest them to use in cooking – it’s super fun and not something I would have tried by myself. It’s a great way to connect to nature by tending to these plants and it encourages healthy eating!

Get outside for the sunsets

Even if it’s not all plants and greenery, a huge part of connecting with nature is just enjoying the scenery. I always say that Dubai has the best sunsets. If I’ve been at school or at my desk all day I always try and take a bike ride or go for a run as the sun sets; it’s a great moment to just take a breather, think, relax, and enjoy the show the sky puts on!

Embrace outdoor activities

Just by being outdoor more often you become more grounded. I personally love swimming in the ocean or paddleboarding. You can also venture out of Dubai and go hiking in the mountains or mountain biking – both of which are really fun.

Keep the windows and doors open

Am I the only one that loves the sounds of birds chirping in the morning? I always keep my door or window open so that while I’m working I can feel the breeze and hear the birds outside. It’s such a nice way to reconnect with nature, especially if you’re stuck at a desk all day.

If all else fails, buy some indoor plants!

I LOVE indoor plants (I think I have an obsession!) But I don’t think too much greenery can ever do you wrong, in fact, it’s actually good for your health. So if you’re struggling to get out more in your city, invest in some potted plants.

 

Let me know what you do to stay connected to nature in your city by commenting below!

See you next week,