I've always enjoyed the outdoors.

Breathing in clean air, playing in the mud, climbing trees. I used to be an avid gardener too; growing my own strawberry and tomato plants, and sprinkling seeds, watching colourful flowers bloom.

As an 80's kid, I spent a lot of time in the garden, riding my bike around the neighbouring streets, exploring the nearby woods or playing sports.

Growing up and immersing myself in city life and work, it became more difficult to truly get out into nature regularly, except for trips away. Life just got in the way. And being plugged in constantly didn't help.

**But it seems the more connected to technology we are, the more we need to connect with nature.**

I'm not against technology (it does have its place), but we do need balance. Especially now that we have all been forced online for both work and play.

Moving to Australia in 2016 (and travelling through South America, Africa and India on the way), I've made more time for nature; I've made it a priority in my life (ok, the consistently warmer weather does help).

What I find intriguing about Australia is the varied landscape. There's coastline; miles of it, of course. But there’s also desert, rainforest, countryside, rock pools, mountains, sand dunes; Australia has it all.

When we lived in Melbourne, we were lucky enough to have a creek trail behind our house, as well as beaches, boating lakes with woodland and local parks, all in close proximity.

We also took advantage of the amazing and diverse environment in Queensland (while living in Brisbane); coastline, rock pools, waterfalls, mountains, rainforest and countryside.

Now, living in Perth, we are surrounded by greenery, and have a lake and beaches on our doorstep.

Living close to nature and spending time outside is known to provide significant benefits, an important one being that it reduces stress and improves wellbeing. And I've certainly noticed the benefits.

I now exercise regularly, I cook and eat nutritious food and I'm more conscious of the environment. I no longer smoke, my alcohol consumption has reduced and I no longer have such a short fuse. I'm less stressed and more focused.

Natural environments renew my sense of wonder and nourish my spirit.

My time in Australia has also made me realise how much the UK has to offer in terms of nature and how much I took it for granted when I lived there. I just didn't make it my priority, and I should have.

So how can we incorporate more nature into our lives and reap the benefits? especially when the weather can be so unpredictable (UK and Melbourne, I'm looking at you).

Leaving the electronics at home and heading for the mountains/lakes is my idea of bliss, but it's not always possible (especially in this current climate). But there are many other ways to connect with nature and incorporate it into our daily life, no matter where we are.

1.) Seek out the beauty right in front of you

You don't need to travel to the other side of the world to enjoy what nature has to offer.

Although the UK doesn't have as varied a landscape, it does have incredible countryside, ample parkland and beautiful lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches. Find a trail nearby and explore by car, bicycle or on foot.

Wherever you are, seek out the beauty in your local area and take time to explore, regardless of the weather. Commit to the outdoors, rain or shine (rain can be fun!).

2.) Bring the outdoors in

Treat yourself to some house plants and flowers on a regular basis.

Studies have shown that indoor plants can help boost your mood, concentration and even your productivity and creativity. It can also reduce stress and fatigue.

You don't need to spend much; even a couple of succulents will do the trick (they sell them in the supermarket!). Or why not invest in candles, essential oils and a diffuser?

By bringing the outdoors alive inside your home, you can ignite your senses all year round. Plus, it’s a really simple trick for sprucing up any space.

3.) get environmentally friendly

With climate change and our natural world in rapid decline, now more than ever we need to make small changes to protect and maintain our environment.

Recycle regularly, invest in hessian bags, use natural storage bags for your food and reduce your use of plastic.

Choose natural materials to furnish your home, opt for eco-friendly brands and choose sustainable products and services, where possible.

Buy in bulk to reduce on packaging, reduce your energy consumption, or choose to walk, cycle, carpool or take public transport (when lock down eases).

Whatever you decide to do; just make a conscious effort every day to contribute towards the protection of our beautiful world.

A huge positive of being in lock down? Our planet is now beginning to heal.

4.) Grow your own

Growing your own produce can be a great way to get outside regularly and commune with nature.

You can plant your own vegetables and herbs and enjoy watching them grow. Or why not take your kids and go foraging for berries (season permitting)?

Even if you don't have a garden, you can still grow vegetables or have your own hydro-garden indoors.

To make it even more eco-friendly, re-purpose wine bottles to use as pots and then pick your herbs; choose from basil, chive, dill, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, coriander, lemongrass, or mint, and enjoy the amazing aromas in your kitchen.

5.) Get involved with your community

From visiting your local markets for seasonal produce to supporting your local designers by buying hand-made clothes, interiors or crafts, there are many ways to get involved with nature, whilst also connecting and contributing to your local community.

With many businesses being forced online in recent weeks (or having to get creative in other ways), why not search and join groups online that support your local community?

My brother-in-law works at New Covent Garden Market (the largest wholesale fruit, veg and flower market in the UK), but with a lot of their client-base being forced to close recently (restaurants, hotels, schools, etc.), he’s been busy delivering fruit and vegetable boxes direct to people’s homes. Now more than ever, our community needs us.

Other ideas (when lock down eases), includes planting a local garden or natural play space at your child's school or community centre, or getting involved at your local allotment.

Joining an outdoor running/yoga/bootcamp class is also a great way to combine nature with your local community. It’s fun, too!

Whatever you do, make being outside (or bringing nature in) a daily ritual.

Turn off all distractions, get away from your desk, and take time everyday to expose your senses, immersing yourself in the healing power of nature.

5 Ways To Get More Nature In Your Life