{"id":786,"date":"2025-03-14T21:16:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T21:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/promomedia.gold.ac.uk\/mmule001\/?p=786"},"modified":"2025-03-21T10:17:54","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T10:17:54","slug":"peace-in-nature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/promomedia.gold.ac.uk\/mmule001\/peace-in-nature\/","title":{"rendered":"Healing Power of Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Written by Joe Jackson – January 10, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Airbnb Experiences <\/strong>– How Daisy found peace in nature through hiking. 21-year-old Londoner, Daisy Smith is familiar with the overwhelming academic pressures of being a university student and the endless glow from phone screens. From doomscrolling on her phone to texting friends she hardly saw was slowly becoming her new reality. With nothing to lose, she booked an Airbnb hiking trip – unknowingly taking her first step to finding the healing power of nature. Her story is part of Airbnb\u2019s new campaign which aims to encourage young Londoners to unplug and have IRL experiences in nature.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Sitting in the caf\u00e9, 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. \u201cThere was just too much happening at once,\u201d she says while taking a sip of her coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At that time, she wanted to escape her stressful life by any means possible \u2013 and so she did. The downside was that she chose one of the most time-consuming and disconnecting ways: endlessly scrolling through her phone. \u201cIt was a nice distraction, but I now realize that it was probably not the best,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt 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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI do think living in London made me feel lonely. You\u2019re 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.\u201d she says. \u201cIt was easier to just be on my phone than deal with that.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cI suddenly felt the need to disconnect, especially after doomscrolling on TikTok. But somehow, I didn\u2019t,\u201d she admits. \u201cPartly because it was hard, but also because I didn\u2019t know how or where to begin – I just knew I had to.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upon stepping into Hampstead Heath, Daisy was itching to use her phone out of habit. \u201cI was so used to checking my phone every second,\u201d she says, laughing. \u201cBut 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\u2019t actually need it because I was doing something equally as fun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEven though I\u2019d just met them, I enjoyed talking and laughing about silly things\u201d she explains. \u201cIt made me feel like I was a part of a group – something I had been missing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt first, it was strange not listening to music or being on my phone\u201d she admits. \u201cBut then I started noticing things I’d rarely really paid attention to before \u2013 the sound of birds, people chatting in the distance, even my breath and heartbeat.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was so freeing \u2013 it felt like I could finally breathe,\u201d she says. \u201cI 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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019d been struggling to manage, made her think inwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cIt made me see things differently. I realised everything I had been worrying about suddenly felt so small compared to how good I felt at that moment. I loved the clarity it gave me. I will definitely start spending more time outdoors<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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. \u201cI 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. \u201cThe hike showed me just how much nature can do for the mind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. \u201cIt was just what I needed,\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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