Do you ever feel like the world moves faster than you can keep up, leaving you gasping for breath? We know the feeling. Urban life, with its constant buzz of white noise, crowded pavements, and relentless pace, can take its toll – often unnoticed, as we’ve normalised the grind. The stress accumulates, quietly latching into our bodies and minds. Did you know, for instance, that people in cities are significantly more likely to suffer from mood disorders and anxiety?
Without realising it, our bodies crave the simple relief of open landscapes, after being cooped up in crowded offices or city apartments. The freedom to stand on a hilltop, let our eyes stretch over the rolling countryside, and watch the sun set. Here, you come face to face with the landscapes that inspired Turner and Constable, and it’s easy to see why.
It is the sensation of cool grass beneath bare feet, the briny sea breeze on our cheeks, the cold water rushing over our skin as we wade into a stream. To feel the vastness of the earth is to remember our place in it. The pull is instinctive because it is part of our DNA. Our ancestors, after all, thrived in untamed environments – and so can we.
This is why farm stays are the perfect retreat. Affordable, yet invaluable, they offer expansive natural surroundings to help you recharge, recalibrate, and reconnect.
Here are our top five mental health benefits of swapping city life for the countryside:
🌲Surrounded by Nature: Escape into the heart of nature without the hassle of lugging camping gear or setting up tents. A farm stay offers all the benefits of being in the great outdoors – “improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy” – without sacrificing comfort. It’s the perfect way to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with what matters. Farm stays also come with added luxuries such as hot tubs, cosy wood-burning stoves, plush bedding, rustic stone-baked pizza ovens, and farm-fresh breakfasts, not to mention dog-friendly stays so your four-legged family members can join the adventure, too.
🌞 Replenishing, nurturing, and grounding: If you’ve been feeling foggy, unfocused, or outright drained, you’re not alone. City life has a way of depleting our mental reserves. On a farm stay, you will not only find the space but the time to reconnect. Don’t just take it from us: studies show that spending time in nature boosts happiness, reduces anxiety, and improves focus. Nature has a remarkable way of restoring balance to both mind and body.
🏃♂️Physical activity, naturally. It is no secret – urban living can make us lethargic, with too much time spent sitting and staring at screens. On the farm, being active will become your second nature. Whether it’s hiking through the countryside, swimming in nearby lakes, cycling along scenic trails, or even collecting fresh eggs, activity becomes part of the rhythm of the day.
🍳Did you know that cooking outdoors even has revitalising effects? In the hustle and bustle of the city, we often forget the importance of pausing. Cooking outdoors is a restorative ritual, an act of self-care. On one hand, sharing and preparing meals with loved ones in an open setting brings us together. On the other hand, the process itself (fresh ingredients, unhurried preparation, and mindful eating) can foster habits that can extend beyond the holiday. And for dessert? Why not go foraging for blackberries and wild strawberries, then drizzle them with a splash of double cream and honey, for a simple, indulgent treat straight from nature’s pantry.
🫂Connecting with nature, connecting with yourself. The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is a perfect companion to a Feather Down farm stay. Imagine wandering through ancient woodlands, breathing in the earthy scent of trees, and filling your lungs with the crisp morning air. Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve focus, and boost the immune system. Here, life is stripped back to its essentials.
Because sometimes, less noise, less rush, and less distraction is exactly what we need.
