Jess Quinn: mind, body, and nature

As our day-to-day lives become busier, finding time to relax and unwind in nature is more important than ever. But enjoying the world around us doesn’t have to mean going on a big adventure. - Enjoying small moments outside can make all the difference. A recent study¹ found that nature-based activities improved mood and reduced anxiety. And the good news  - these activities can be as simple as getting out in the garden or, as Jess prefers, walking her energetic spoodle, Scout.

Jess loves getting out in nature, but she doesn’t consider herself an overly outdoorsy person. “I enjoy the outdoors. I like to recharge in nature, but I don’t always lean towards a big adventure in the ways people instantly think of,” she says. “With my limited mobility, it’s risk versus reward. I could go for a big hike, but that would mean I’d have to take a week off. Instead, I meet myself in the middle and do what I can with what I have,” explains Jess. She continues, “My partner and I love to go to our local park and have lunch. Or we take our dog, Scout, to the beach. Those are my favourite times of the day,” she says.

Due to an injury, Jess has embraced a new mindset when it comes to the way she enjoys the outdoors. “I’ve reframed my mindset, so now, getting outdoors is more for my mental wellbeing than to get my sweat on,” she says. “Recovering from an injury has changed everything for me. My outlet used to be exercise, getting that endorphin hit, so when you can’t reach that level of endorphin release, it does become a vicious cycle of frustration. I just practise letting it go because it’s out of my control, and I do what I can when I can, and I work with what I have. I also find other ways to get that level of satisfaction, whether that be meditation, self-care or being out in nature.” Taking Scout for walks is always an activity Jess enjoys. “Scout motivates me and my partner to get outside more and explore new forests and parks,” she says. “He’s in between a café dog and an adventure dog, which is exactly what we wanted,” jokes Jess. “On a typical weekend, we go for brunch and then take Scout for a walk. And for me, that’s recharging. They’re basic things, but they help a lot with my wellbeing,” she says.

Jess has many strategies for maintaining a healthy mindset, with enjoying nature at the top of the list. “Getting out in nature is a huge stress release for me. If I’m having a bad day, I’ll get into my car and drive down to the beach. Or if I’m getting a coffee, I’ll make sure I sit outside and enjoy it,” says Jess. To combat the need to always be on, Jess sometimes opts not to play music or a podcast on her walks. “When you’re in nature, to enjoy the sounds that are there is very therapeutic.” She continues, “I’m also yet to try walking meditations, but it’s on my list.” Whether it’s taking a moment to herself or enjoying the outdoors with her partner and Scout, Jess always makes the most of the time spent in nature. And it’s something she recommends for anyone looking for a simple way to boost their health and wellbeing.