If anyone has ever told you to “take a hike” they probably didn’t mean it in the way I do. Walking in nature is one of the main ways that I rejuvenate my creativity and help relieve stress. You don’t have to hike up a mountain to feel the effects and you don’t even have to wander into a forest to get back to nature! Here’s how you can do it too:
A WALK IN NATURE
Although walking through rows of tall, old tress has a romantic quality to it, in Toronto this isn’t always possible. Around the Greater Toronto Area there are plethora of locations you can choose, but here are some alternatives when you need something close by:
- community gardens
- local parks
- floral department of stores
- anywhere there’s grass
CREATIVITY AND STRESS RELIEF
By walking outside (preferably in nature) you give yourself the time and space to think (and not think).
You get a break from the speed of everyday life. This is especially true if you live in downtown Toronto where there’s always something going on.
HOW TO DO IT AND WHAT TO THINK ABOUT
To get started, either limit your walk to a specific distance or time. I like to walk around 30 minutes a day. It helps me clear my mind so that I can let ideas float in.
I like to look around and whenever something brings about inspiration I ponder on it. If it’s fruitful then I will often write a note in my phone, but if it isn’t I just let the thoughts float away.
THE PACE AND PLACE
You aren’t running a race here. Take your time and just enjoy it. In fact, if you find a good spot to take a seat then plunk down and take it!
Hiking in nature/taking walks is part of the Three Simple Steps. So have a read if you want to take back even more control of your life!
Jonathan How is the photographer behind Made by Ten and calls Milton his home. He specializes in creating beautiful, creative portraits of real women. He uses photography (and this blog) to help them build confidence and love for themselves and creates artistic images for their homes and offices. You can see him driving around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario, Canada from portrait to fashion shoot and back again.