Sabrina Verjee, endurance runner
PHOTO: STEVE ASHWORTH
“Stepping out into nature gives me a mental break”
MY TOP PIECE OF KIT: The Berghaus Hyper 140 is the best piece of kit ever. It’s extremely lightweight and very waterproof. It packs up so small it can fit into a pocket and I never leave home without it.
For endurance runner, veterinary surgeon and Berghaus ambassador Sabrina Verjee, getting outdoors offers a much-needed escape.
Life is busy. We focus on our careers, how to manage our homes, families and pets. It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day and not take any time out for yourself, but that can quickly lead to a downward spiral of lack of sleep, poor diet and lack of exercise.
I find running the best escape and mental break from work and stress. It takes minutes to get changed and ready for a run, and as soon as I’m heading out the door I start to feel the release and the freedom.
When I’m outside I feel free and all my senses are awakened – the sounds of nature, the smell of pollens and trees, the feeling of the gentle breeze cooling my body or the sun glowing on my face. I even enjoy the wetness of the rain sometimes!
Visually, there’s all the stimulating colours and we’re so lucky in this country to experience such wonderful changes in seasons that the same place can look completely different throughout the year. It’s been scientifically proven that being outside improves one’s mood, is relaxing (reduces blood pressure), gives us an energy boost and increases our daily doses of vitamin D… but who needs science to encourage us when it just simply feels so good?
Whatever is going on in my hectic work or home life, stepping out into nature gives me a mental break and the time to simply live and breathe.
How to reconnect with nature…
Top tips from Berghaus ambassadors
“Give yourself space. Spending too much time in enclosed spaces can be detrimental. Trying to spend some time outside in nature at least once a day is one of the best defences we have against a declining mood.”
“Take a break. If you’re cooped up inside working, a change of scenery or pace will do you the world of good. Even just five minutes standing outside to feel the rain on your skin can be so therapeutic!”
“Journal things on your route. Take either written or mental notes of what you see, whether it’s spotting tree types, animals, landmarks etc. This helps absorb the delights the great outdoors has to offer and distracts from life’s troubles, which may have been clouding your head.”
“Help maintain our green and blue spaces. Litter-picking is such an easy way to look after the wild places we all love to explore. Whether you’re swimming at the beach, walking your dog in the park or hiking in the mountains it can feel so therapeutic to know you’re helping to protect the outdoor spaces that you enjoy accessing. It’s so easy to do and making a positive impact on the planet can give you a real sense of purpose and belonging.”
“Get away from Wi-Fi. We’re so connected and over stimulated. My favourite thing is probably having no signal, as it forces me to be present in the moment and take in my surroundings.”