I was lazily watching TV the other night. Just wanting to zone out really but instead had my interest peaked by a piece on Forest Bathing, a subject that interests me greatly. The notion of Shinrin-yoku which literally means forest bathing, originated in Japan in the early 1980s and may be regarded as a form of nature therapy. Literaly bathing in the calm energy of the forest. Presumably best experienced in unspoiled old forest away fro the distractions of life and the din of modern existance. Here the calm is easily accessed and soaked up and the cares and worries left behind on the soft forest floor.
Not much good if your travel is restricted to a 5km radius of your home. But perhaps all is not lost. I suggest just tuming in to natural sound and tuning out of the white noise of the city as best you can. Now this is easier said than done. I have been trying this recently and its difficult to drown out the noise of your head and the city. But if instead you tune in to bird song it really ahs the most calming and soothing effect. Then move on from birdsong and listen to what else can be added to this soundscape. Wind, perhaps the sound of running water, rain, trees, leaves. I find I weave in and out of both worlds as I get distracted and then return. But daily practice really dose make a difference.