2020 has taken primarily taken relationships inside and online, with the effort required if you live in an urban setting, to really be outdoors. London is blessed with lots of open park spaces and private garden squares, but some of the cooler city spots don’t provide the expanse of nature that we naturally need. Likewise, in New York, there is the Hudson, the East River, bridges, The Highline, and Central Park. If you and your partner are urban creatures you will likely have survived lockdowns quite well, but how does nature contribute to your well-being and relationship?

In the digital age, we move quickly, but nature invites us to slow down, ponder, reflect, and engage. The sound of the breeze in the trees, the gentle lap of a lake or a pond at the edges, the warmth of the sun all contribute to our mindset and demeanour. To be your best in a relationship starts with the individual. Think what a walk in a big natural setting has on you personally. As spring flows into summer and then into the fall, the seasons invite us quietly to reflect on the cycle of nature and life. They provide a natural juncture to the chapters of our lives.

Science proves that being in nature or viewing the landscape in a natural setting reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases warm and pleasant feelings. Exposing yourself to natural settings can make you feel more grounded emotionally, reduces your blood pressure, muscle tension, and heart rate. It definitely smooths out the edges and reduces the production of stress hormones.

Put the mobile phones away in the backpack or in your pockets on silent and make a pact to convene with nature and each other. Notice how you breathe, and take the time to stretch, and fill your lungs rather than stay in the shallow breath space that accompanies a hurried existence. Being in the big outdoors is nature’s cathedral and the perfect environment in which to talk calmly and deeply with the happy wash of nature flowing over you both.

When you let nature do its work, it can do wonders for your romantic relationships.

Not only is it incredibly romantic to be in a beautiful setting looking at a spectacular view, it takes us back to the basics of life and what really matters. What better setting to share how you feel with each other, from a place of natural calm and happiness.

If you’re in London, head into Hampstead Heath, or get off the pathways of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and wander into the grassy nooks and trees to get off the beaten track a little. Likewise, in Central Park, take a different route and some adventurous exploration to the plan. As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, it’s the perfect opportunity to venture out of the city even on day trips to spend some time walking and taking in the view while convening with each other and nature.

As a gift to the one you love, go to Vespucci Adventures and buy the perfect hike. It comes in a beautiful box with all the instructions on how and where along with lunch spots, distances, and all the information you need for the perfect romantic day out. For our New York readers, you can find all the inspiration you need with these 15 best hikes near the city.

Let nature work its magic on your relationship and see how beautiful the setting and the feeling can be.

Maclynn (formerly Vida) is an exclusive, multi-award-winning matchmaking consultancy, catering to exceptional singles across the globe. Get in touch today, and find your perfect partner with Maclynn.