Growing up in a big city definitely has its perks. There is the convenience of having many amenities within easy reach, an abundance of employment opportunities, a variety of shops, and plenty of choices when it comes to having an exciting social life.
With all these in mind, why would anyone ever want to leave the city for the countryside?
There are many reasons why people move from big cities to tiny country towns and one of the biggest factors is often tied to finances.
The further away you get from a city, the cheaper the cost of living. However, this is not the main consideration for most people who choose to make the move.
Most people want a lifestyle change that simply isn’t available in a city. If you’re lucky enough, the real magic of living in the countryside will slowly, but surely, reveal itself.
How Moving to the Countryside Taught Me About Wellness
When I traded city streets for winding country lanes, I didn’t just change my address; I rewrote my entire approach to living well.
Gone were the impatient horns and relentless deadlines; in their place came the quiet hush of wind through oaks and the gentle rhythm of sunrise chores. Almost without noticing, I began to slow down, breathe deeper, and move more purposefully.
The result? Better sleep, steadier energy, and a renewed sense of balance that no pill or quick‑fix workout had ever given me.
So, join me as we explore how life in the countryside has taught me the art of slowing down and how that simple shift has transformed my health from the inside out.
Switching Chaos for Serenity
One of the first things I noticed after moving to the countryside is the quiet calmness of my surroundings. After years of living in a city, in particular a suburb near a train station, the noise was gone.
The rumbling of big rigs, traffic and freight trains in the distance were no longer a constant part of everyday life.
At first, it was a little odd. The tranquil stillness of the countryside takes a little bit of getting used to. Those harsh, unnatural sounds were not just replaced by birds and soft breezes blowing through the trees; they were embraced in a wonderful way.
Slowly, but surely, the chaos and tension of city living vanished, while the calmness of nature took over.
Noise still exists in the countryside, but the din is replaced by different sounds. Apart from the gentle wind in the trees, there is also the sound of rain.
Even thunderstorms have their charm and you will never truly experience Nature in all her glory as you will when you sit through a spectacular summer storm.
Then there are the animals. Birds chirping happily at the first signs of daylight, and if you have chickens, the rooster is the only alarm clock you will ever need again.
The new sounds, while still noisy, don’t seem as out of place as those in the city. They are natural and even soothing after years of listening to blaring horns and screeching brakes.
Relocating here revealed that true countryside wellness flourishes when the relentless roar of urban life is traded for the quiet cadence of wind, rain, and birdsong.
In that stillness, stress melts away, breathing steadies, and the body remembers its natural, unhurried rhythm.
The Rhythm of Nature
Nature has a definitive way of letting her presence be known and there is nothing more wonderful than observing seasonal changes. When you live in the countryside, every season has a purpose and almost everything you do has to do with nature. Most people love summer.
Summer: Long Days and Lush Harvests
Most people love summer. Sizzling hot days blend into warm nights and the longer days mean we can get more done and enjoy being outdoors for longer.
Nature is alive and vibrant at this time of year, with lush trees giving us invaluable shade and let’s not forget the abundance of fruit.
Berries are usually first on the scene with their vibrant colours and intoxicating sweetness. If you’re lucky, you may find plums ready to eat alongside figs, apples, and pears, which are usually ready to pick towards the end of summer or early autumn.
Autumn: Harvest and Preservation
Autumn arrives and the landscape starts to change. The weather starts to cool and harvesting begins. This is the time when root vegetables are gathered and stored, while trees are stripped of their loads.
The trees are also changing, with leaves altering from lush green to stunning yellows, oranges and reds. Far from being a time of rest, autumn is a busy season.
All those delicious fruits and vegetables we painstakingly cared for over summer have now been harvested. Some are meticulously stored, while others are being transformed into jams, preserves and pickles.
This is an essential aspect of life in the countryside, as winters can be harsh and the various methods used to preserve produce ensure access to organic fruit and vegetables over winter.
Winter: Snowy Serenity and Cozy Evenings
The chill of winter follows with an icy vengeance. If you’re lucky enough to live in a high‑altitude region, the delight of that first snow never disappoints.
Days are shorter but still enjoyable. The toil of summer and autumn is replaced with invigorating walks through snow‑covered forests and crisp, fresh air.
Kids, and kids at heart, play with undeterred joy. Building snow castles and snowmen is a must and no fun snow day is complete without a snowball fight.
Evenings are spent around cozy tables with mulled wine for the adults and hot chocolate for the little ones.
Spring: Renewal and New Life
Following winter is my favorite month—spring! The chill of winter is disappearing and nature is starting to come alive. The first leaves are starting to appear on the trees along with tiny buds and the promise of fruit.
Birds are chirping with a renewed purpose and the excitement of warmer days is noticeable at every turn. The busy period for agricultural activities in the country has begun.
Garden beds are being prepared for planting, trees are tended; and animal enclosures are being thoroughly mucked out and cleaned. It’s messy work, but also rewarding. This is followed by the excitement of baby animals being born.
The wonder of nature is heartwarming and grounding, and watching the miracle of life unfold is an unforgettable experience.
Living in Harmony with the Seasons
Life in the countryside revolves around the seasons, with each one having a purpose and a list of chores.
Far from being mundane and tedious, they have the effect of creating an almost symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.
By working with nature, instead of against it, we create harmony and peace. Once you achieve this level of inner peace, life simply makes sense.
It has shown me that countryside wellness is less about chasing health and more about aligning with the earth’s natural cadence; when our routines mirror the seasons, balance and vitality emerge effortlessly.
Healthy Foods Take on a New Meaning
Many moons ago, I took home economics as a high school subject. Like most teenagers, I took the class because of the promise of cooking. I was a little disappointed when I realised there were more theoretical classes than cooking ones, but decades later, the real value of these classes made perfect sense.
We learned about cooking on a budget, kitchen hygiene, and the masterclass focused on cooking with convenience foods. At the time, it made sense, as we were preparing for successful careers and the time-consuming nature of cooking from scratch.
The aim of these classes was to prepare a full meal for a family in the shortest possible time. This meant using a lot of pre-packaged and pre-prepared foods from boxes and cans. Convenient? Yes. Tasty? Meh. Nutritious? No comment.
This all looked fine back then, but with the push for better nutrition, it doesn’t take long to realize that convenience foods are not all they are cracked up to be.
Once you start growing your own foods, you understand that the real convenience is having them growing a few feet away from your door, and if you don’t have a certain ingredient growing in your garden, you can always swap with the neighbours or visit the local farmers’ markets.
Most importantly, you’ll notice the change in your health and well-being when you replace processed foods with wholesome foods that you grew.
Knowing where your food comes from becomes one of the most important aspects of countryside wellness and knowing what you are adding to the family table gives you a sense of real joy.
Movement with Meaning
Once you step away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you quickly realise how much time you waste on unnecessary and, sometimes, costly activities. We all need to move and keep fit, and it is this very thing that drives people to the gym.
However, not everyone can afford to go to the gym so what then? Walking is a wonderful physical activity but many people find walking in the city a little depressing and it’s not always safe.
Walking takes on a whole new element in the countryside. The constantly changing landscape is soothing to the soul and the sounds, and hazards, of moving vehicles are replaced with the sounds of birds, bees and other creatures. If you’re lucky enough, you might even spot a deer or two, making your morning walk magical.
Walking in the countryside isn’t always just an activity where you put one foot in front of the other and keep moving.
There are plenty of beneficial activities you can include in your walking routine. Learn about the healing power of wild herbs and where to find them. There are also wild berries ready for picking and flowers to grace your table. Turn your daily walk into a scavenger hunt and walk with a purpose.
There are many other activities you can engage in that involve plenty of movement that are beneficial to your body as well as life in the countryside. Things like digging in the garden, tending to animals and chopping wood are great ways to stay active.
Look around and you’ll soon discover your favourite, and if the weather is bad, you can always find a fabulous YouTube video and stay active in the comfort of your home.
The Human Connection
One of the saddest aspects of city and suburban living is that we are surrounded by people but more alone than ever. City apartments are full and suburban streets are lined with houses.
Yet, how well do we know the people in our neighbourhoods? How many of us chat while watering the garden or invite each other for coffee?
Humans are social creatures and we need that human connection. While we do live further apart physically in the countryside, the community is a lot closer.
A visit to the hairdresser is a chance to catch up on local events, and local cafés rarely have solo patrons. Even if you plan to sit alone, you’ll soon have company.
Rural life can be difficult for women, especially the elderly and non-drivers. The feeling of being isolated can be disheartening.
Many small communities have addressed this issue with the formation of various community groups. I never imagined joining a women’s group, but it was one of my best decisions.
The group might be formed for several reasons, but ours is about unity. We pick up members on our way to the community center and do various activities.
We revive old crafts, discuss problems, and share secret recipes. In each meeting, we empower and encourage each other to leave happier and fulfilled.
Old friendships are reinforced and new ones are nurtured. Age is just a number and the most common feeling is joy. All of this combined is good for the heart and the soul.
We share experiences and offer support when it’s needed.
The Healing Power of Silence
Far from living a life of quiet and boredom, life in the countryside is jubilant, exciting and fun. It seems there is always something going on.
Apart from finding joy in everyday tasks, there are also endless social gatherings, excursions and community events. Where being alone in a big city could be daunting, being alone in the countryside is a special time of simply sitting and being YOU!
This is a time of reflection and finding inner peace and if you have a special place at home where you can just sit and soak in the silence, even better. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, a good book or a few pillows to get comfy.
All that’s left to do is find that silent moment and relax, reflect and rejuvenate. Silence is no longer something to feel apprehensive about but a moment to calm your mind and breathe.
Less Has Become More
Leaving the city was not a decision we took lightly, but it’s one we have never regretted making. In terms of material possessions, we have definitely scaled down.
We shop a lot less for clothing and accessories and put more money into life and experiences. Even our grocery bills have taken a significant drop as we have become more mindful of what we buy and many household staples are homemade using old family recipes. Very little is discarded and even then, it ends up feeding our animals.
Our relationships with people have also changed. Real friends are fewer but treasured and while we still have many acquaintances, our time is spent with family and friends who bring an intangible value to our lives, rather than superficial ones.
Meals are simple and are often shared with family and friends, accompanied by spirited and lively conversations.
One thing we have less of is stress. Coming home from a busy day is like a trip to a wellness spa or a retreat. Unwinding usually involves enjoying a glass of wine or beer on the back patio, where we can appreciate the serene view of the forest and listen to the sounds of the wind in the trees, chirping birds, and animals trying to get our attention.
Life has become simpler but more meaningful with countryside wellness.
