Written by Joe Jackson – January 10, 2025

---

Sitting in the café, the North West Londoner Daisy is trying to recall where her need to ‘switch off’ came from. Moving from home to study at Goldsmiths University of London came with many challenges. Juggling the pressure of being a university student with a busy schedule, a calendar filled with to-do lists and due dates quickly became overwhelming. “There was just too much happening at once,” she says while taking a sip of her coffee.

At that time, she wanted to escape her stressful life by any means possible – and so she did. The downside was that she chose one of the most time-consuming and disconnecting ways: endlessly scrolling through her phone. “It was a nice distraction, but I now realize that it was probably not the best,” she says.

Most of her hours were spent alone in her student accommodation, stuck in a cycle of social media scrolling and procrastinating only to pull an all-nighter in a desperate attempt to catch up on assignments. But with every swipe, she felt lonelier and more disconnected.

“It was just so easy to pick up my phone and obsess over watching things that made me forget everything I had to do. Before I knew it, hours had passed. There was never enough time to hang out with my friends because I was too stressed about falling behind on readings and assignments. But when I did have time, I was too tired because I’d been up late. I always felt guilty for cancelling plans and constantly procrastinating.”

Like many of her peers, Daisy found herself stuck in a cycle of stress and loneliness. Living alone in a fast-paced, crowded city like London, surrounded by unfamiliar faces -only made it harder.

“I do think living in London made me feel lonely. You’re surrounded by so many people, and you should feel included, accepted or at least less lonely. But somehow, it makes you feel even more isolated.” she says. “It was easier to just be on my phone than deal with that.”

One day, Daisy had enough. Scrolling through social media to escape her reality – only to feel more distanced from it – made her determined to break the cycle.

Fortunately for her, she found her way. During her usual nighttime routine of scrolling, she came across an Airbnb advertisement for a guided hiking trip. A breathtaking image of Hampstead Heath promised more than just fresh air – it offered a chance to unwind, even if it was just for a moment. With one click, she secured her spot for the upcoming Sunday.

Daisy immediately invited her friend from back home. At first, her friends were Skeptical, but after some convincing, she managed to drag them along. It was a perfect opportunity for a much-needed catch-up

Upon stepping into Hampstead Heath, Daisy was itching to use her phone out of habit. “I was so used to checking my phone every second,” she says, laughing. “But then I remembered how excited I was when I booked this trip. So I decided to make the most of it by turning off my phone. I didn’t actually need it because I was doing something equally as fun.”

As the group hiked, their guide occasionally led them to scenic spots for short breaks. These moments gave Daisy a chance to get to know the other, free from digital distractions. Sharing stories while walking, spending time with her friend and chatting with the group brought a surprising sense of togetherness. For someone who had been feeling so isolated, it was a simple yet transformative moment.

“Even though I’d just met them, I enjoyed talking and laughing about silly things” she explains. “It made me feel like I was a part of a group – something I had been missing.”

As Daisy and her new friends continued along the trail, the stress and the tension of the busy city life seemed to melt away with ease. The soft spring sunlight, the gentle warmth and the rustling of branches swaying in the breeze had a calming effect.

“At first, it was strange not listening to music or being on my phone” she admits. “But then I started noticing things I’d rarely really paid attention to before – the sound of birds, people chatting in the distance, even my breath and heartbeat.”

On their journey back to their accommodation, Daisy felt an uncommon yet pleasant feeling of calmness. The stress that had been weighing her down had vanished. It was the escape she had been longing for.

“It was so freeing – it felt like I could finally breathe,” she says. “I loved the refreshing feeling of being outside. It was like taking a peaceful break away from all the stress. Spending my Saturday outdoors felt so much better than being stuck in my room.”

This hike was more than a physical exercise – it was a chance for Daisy to pause, reflect and reset. Forced to confront the mental clutter she’d been struggling to manage, made her think inwards.

Daisy didn’t just discover her newfound love for the outdoors – she was able to find a moment of peace in nature. Since the hike, she turned to nature as a way to manage her mental health. “I try to go for more walks – just when I’m stressed, but because I actually enjoy it. I’ve also started going to parks or sitting in the garden at my accommodation with my friends,” she says. “The hike showed me just how much nature can do for the mind.”

Daisy is deeply grateful for stumbling upon the Airbnb hiking trip. Their mission to inspire young Londoners to embrace nature opened the door for people like her to experience the healing power of nature. “It was just what I needed,” she says. Sophia’s hiking trip is just one of many fascinating outdoor activities designed for those seeking relief from the pressures of being young in the capital. With a new sense of clarity, Daisy feels more than prepared to tackle the new challenges ahead.