Discover new mindful outdoor activities

Not only can engaging in the world around you boost your mood, but it can even get your creative juices flowing. The latest craze in outdoor activities is all about channelling the health benefits of spending time in nature and being inspired by simple pleasures. Here are a few mindful ways to have fun outside.

Rockhounding is a cool term for amateur geology. Enthusiasts search for rocks, minerals and fossils in natural environments such as beaches, quarries and riverbanks to see what treasures they can unearth.

Rockhounding has actually been around since the 1950s, but today a new wave of devotees has revived the hobby as a way to switch off from their devices and reconnect with nature.

We all need a creative outlet to express our thoughts and feelings from time to time. Nature journalling involves getting curious about the natural environment and jotting down your observations as you go.

The idea is that you fill the pages of a journal or notebook with whatever’s inspired you on your woodland walks or outdoor adventures. It could be sketching a flower in a meadow or writing a description of an animal you’ve seen close up – whatever captures the moment. You could also add stickers and decorate the pages to personalise it even more.

Best place to try nature journalling: Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve. Located in the Broads National Park on the Suffolk-Norfolk border, this maze of marshland provides a rich habitat for journalling. From exotic plants and insects to wading birds and water voles, there’s an amazing array of wildlife to inspire your creations. 

Where to stay: Best Western The Hatfield Hotel, Lowestoft

Star bathing is a kind of mindful stargazing. You don’t need a telescope or any knowledge of constellations to enjoy it. Nor do you need a bathing costume! Just an appreciation of the wonders of the night sky will do.

Like forest bathing, it focuses on being fully immersed in the natural environment – but at night instead of daytime. As the daylight gives way to dark skies and twinkling stars, sit back and watch as nature’s fireworks unfurl.

Best place to try star bathing: Dalby Forest. This designated Dark Sky Discovery Site set within the North York Moors is a top spot to bathe in the beauty of the night sky. It has minimal light pollution, so you should have a clear view of the stars.

Where to stay: Best Western Forest and Vale Hotel, Pickering

Nature dazzles in autumn, when trees erupt into vibrant shades of russet and gold. Leaf peeping involves exploring forests and woodlands to admire the foliage as it turns from the lush greens of summer into the warm hues of autumn.

Leaf peeping hails from North America, particularly New England, where people flock to see and photograph the stunning foliage. But it’s also becoming a popular pastime in the UK as nature enthusiasts seek out autumnal retreats to watch cascading leaves and breathe in the crisp fresh air.

There’s something about cooking over an open fire in the great outdoors that makes food taste extra special. Wild cooking takes barbecuing to the next level, using natural methods to grill, bake and roast foods in scenic off-grid locations.

Dishes are often made with foraged local ingredients such as wild herbs, berries and mushrooms, as well as game or fish. By cooking outdoors with readily available ingredients, you can eat more sustainably and increase your food knowledge.