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The average Brit only gets 32 minutes in nature a day \u2013 with more than half saying they struggle to find time to get outdoors, a study has found. Londoners see the least amount of nature in comparison to the rest of the UK, as they\u2019re exposed to only 28 minutes a day.<\/p>\n
The study of 2,000 adults found more than a quarter (26 percent) find it harder to connect with nature now than they did 10 years ago.<\/p>\n
And 46 percent of those blame this on living in cities and built-up areas with less greenery, while nearly six in ten feel that no matter how much time they get in nature \u2013 it’s never enough.<\/p>\n
Walks in the park (58 percent), enjoying a coffee in the garden (39 percent), and taking off shoes and going barefoot (10 percent), are among the ways we connect with the Earth.<\/p>\n
But with winter approaching, bad weather (40 percent), long hours at work (24 percent), and keeping the house clean (16 percent), are some of the top factors holding people back from getting outdoors.<\/p>\n
Th study was commissioned by the Flower Council of Holland, which also worked with digital artist, Rek0de, to create a virtual re-imagining of three iconic London landmarks \u2013 Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, and Trellick Tower \u2013 transforming them into natural havens.<\/p>\n
An AR filter\u00a0has also been developed, so anyone with a camera phone can see how nature can transform our cityscapes and homes.<\/p>\n
Gabrielle Dullaart, from the Flower Council of Holland, said: \u201cEscapism into nature can be found in many forms. Nature is the ultimate remedy for our hectic lives \u2013 a place where we find peace and rediscover our true selves.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpending time in nature, even just for a short time, is like hitting the \u201creset\u201d button for your mind and soul. It’s where we recharge and find clarity. As longer nights loom in those coming winter months, it\u2019s important we don\u2019t lose touch with nature.\u201d<\/p>\n
The study also found 63 percent of adults think it\u2019s important to spend time in nature to boost mental health, while 60 percent feel it\u2019s vital for physical wellbeing, and the same percentage think it can reduce stress levels.<\/p>\n
And while 76 percent consider themselves at least somewhat happy as a person, 40 percent of those who aren\u2019t say that more time in nature would help.<\/p>\n
Despite this, over half (53 percent) find it hard to fit in time to connect with nature, according to the OnePoll.com data \u2013 and as many as 42 percent went as far as to say people have forgotten how to get in touch with nature.<\/p>\n
Gabrielle Dullaart added: \u201cIn the midst of the chaos of modern life, nature provides a refuge for our well-being. It’s the antidote to our daily stress.<\/p>\n
\u201cEmbracing nature isn’t just a lifestyle choice, it’s a statement of our commitment to a sustainable and harmonious future.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven if you can\u2019t make it out for a hike in the woods at lunchtime, filling your home with plants and cut flowers can ensure you at least have greenery nearby at all times, and still benefit from the effects.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following the findings, RHS Chelsea Flower Show winner, Ian Drummond, gave his top tips for city dwellers to connect with nature \u2013 from listening to recordings of birdsong, to bringing art into the home, such as paintings of nature, or prints, sculpture, digital art, and photography.<\/p>\n