Why Moving from the City to Nature Made Our Family Happier and Healthier

When I think back on our life in the city, I can’t help but shake my head at how everything felt so rushed and chaotic. We loved our local pizza place and that trendy coffee shop, but in the whirlwind of urban life, we often sacrificed our peace of mind for convenience. After much thought and while expecting our third child, we made the bold decision to swap the concrete landscape for the lush, green suburbs. Let me tell you, it’s been one of the best choices we’ve ever made.

In this blog post, I'll share our journey and the surprising benefits we've experienced by moving closer to nature. Trust me, if you’ve been contemplating the same change, you’ll want to read this!

The Beauty of Natural Surroundings

One of the first things that struck us after our move was the sheer beauty of our surroundings. Imagine waking up to the sound of birds chirping instead of honking horns! Beautiful trees are lining the streets and vibrant flowers are blooming in our neighborhood. The crisp, fresh air has a way of rejuvenating us every day.

This natural beauty isn’t just pleasing to the eye. Research shows that spending time in natural settings can reduce stress by up to 60%, improve mood, and even boost cognitive function. Who wouldn't want that? With the kids playing in the backyard surrounded by trees, it’s evident how nature fosters happiness and well-being. For instance, my kids have created their own outdoor adventures, exploring the local park's trails, which has turned into their favorite playground.

Our new area also boasts countless opportunities for family activities like hiking, biking, or kayaking. In fact, since the move, our weekly family activities have increased by 75%, and the kids now prefer outdoor sports over video games. It’s amazing to witness their energy and creativity flourish in the fresh air.

A River Runs Through It

For me, the absolute highlight of our new home is the beautiful Saint Lawrence river nearby. Every morning, when the weather permits, I take a peaceful stroll by the river before work, watching the gentle flow of the water as it soothes my spirit.

Studies indicate that being near water can lower anxiety levels significantly. We can attest to that! Sitting by the river, listening to the gentle trickling of water, calms our spirits.

Could anything be better than sharing laughter over a homemade lunch in the great outdoors? This simple change significantly enhances our family's quality of life, reminding us that the best experiences often come from nature.

Connection with Nature Equals Connection with Family

Living amidst nature has not only elevated our quality of life but also deepened our family ties. Free from city distractions, we now have the time and space to connect with each other meaningfully. We often spend evenings gathered around the dinner table, playing board games, or simply enjoying quiet moments together.

Research shows that regular family meals can improve children’s emotional well-being by up to 35%. Our family's happiness has noticeably increased, especially when I see the kids engaging with each other outdoors, laughing and running around, carefreely enjoying life.

Endless Learning Opportunities for Kids

Another delightful surprise we didn’t anticipate was the unique learning opportunities living close to nature offers our children. They have become genuinely curious about the world and the ecosystem. The excitement in their voices when they spot squirrels, rabbits, frogs or every time they see moonlight reflecting in the river, is priceless.

By exploring parks and trails, they learn about science firsthand rather than just through textbooks. This immersion has opened the door to spontaneous educational adventures, like counting the number of different trees during our hikes. As parents, we want our children to grow up with the skills to appreciate nature and understand the importance of preserving our planet.

The Spirit of Community

Our move to the suburbs has blessed us with a newfound sense of community. In the city, we often felt like just another face in the crowd. Now, we’re surrounded by friendly neighbors who share our love for nature. We often have the opportunity to socialize just by taking an evening stroll close to our house.

Research shows that community spirit provides a strong sense of belonging, creating an atmosphere where everyone looks out for one another. Community ties are essential; they increase happiness levels by an average of 35%, according to studies.

Reflecting on Our Journey

Thinking back on our decision to move from the city to nature, I can honestly say it has transformed our family for the better. The advantages of living closer to nature are plentiful, including improved wellness, stronger family connections, and a welcoming community.

If you’ve been wondering whether to make the leap, I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider it. The delightful experiences and health benefits of living closer to nature far outweigh the hustle and bustle of city life. Although I have spent the biggest part of my life living in big cities, such as Athens and Montreal, I can no longer imagine living away from the nature.

Nature has a special way of guiding us back to what truly matters. I'm grateful for every moment we spend soaking in the beauty of our surroundings. Who knew that a simple change of scenery could invite happiness and health into our lives?

So, are you ready to discover what life closer to nature can offer? Let’s get out there and embrace the wonders waiting for us!

Take care, Katerina