At Thornybush, we are privileged to be surrounded by the extraordinary animals of the African bush, and over the years, we’ve noticed something profound. It’s not just us humans who prioritise health and wellbeing – our wildlife do too. From lions to elephants, the creatures of the wild have perfected the art of self-care, and there’s much we can learn from their practices. So, let’s take a step back and consider how the animals around us might be offering important lessons in wellness.
When it comes to sleep, no one does it quite like the lions. These majestic predators can sleep for up to 20 hours a day, using every opportunity to recharge. Lions understand something that many of us overlook: rest is crucial for overall wellbeing. In today’s fast-paced world, we often push ourselves to the brink of exhaustion, convinced that we need to keep going without taking time to recover.
Lions, however, know that adequate rest is essential for maintaining strength, focus, and health. So, the next time you’re tempted to stay up late or skip a good night’s sleep, remember the lion’s wisdom. Your body and mind need time to rest and repair. Make sleep a priority and give yourself the opportunity to recharge – just as the lions do.
We all know how important a balanced diet is for our health, and the baboons and monkey’s of Thornybush are great role models when it comes to nutrition. Baboons and monkeys are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of foods depending on what’s available in their environment. Their diet consists of fruits, seeds, roots, eggs, insects, and even meat, ensuring they get a broad spectrum of nutrients.
This diversity in their diet helps them stay strong and healthy, thriving in a variety of conditions. But the baboons and monkeys also teach us the importance of balance – while they may forage for a variety of food, they’re not above indulging in the occasional treat. Yes, even a stolen cupcake from the lodge might make its way into their diet!
This reminds us that true wellness isn’t about rigid rules or restrictions. It’s about enjoying a balanced approach to life. Nourishing your body with a wide variety of wholesome foods while allowing room for the occasional indulgence is key to maintaining both physical and mental health.
Elephants are some of the most emotionally intelligent animals on the planet. Their bonds with one another are profound, and they invest deeply in the care of their families. From the protective matriarchs to the loving relationships between mothers and their calves, elephants exemplify the importance of emotional connection.
Elephants show us that relationships are vital to our wellbeing. They teach us that taking time to nurture our bonds with family and friends can be just as essential to our health as the food we eat or the sleep we get. In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, but elephants remind us that we need to prioritise quality time with the people who matter most. Strong social connections have been proven to enhance emotional wellbeing, reduce stress, and increase longevity – just ask the elephants.
The animals of Thornybush Safari have mastered the art of self-care, from the lions’ restful slumbers to the baboons’ balanced diets and the elephants’ deep emotional bonds. There’s much we can learn from them, especially in a world that often encourages us to push ourselves beyond our limits.
By taking time to rest, eat mindfully, and nurture our relationships, we can all live healthier, happier lives. Let’s take a note from nature’s book and give our bodies, minds, and hearts the care they deserve.
At Thornybush Safari, we are reminded every day of the profound connection between all living beings and the importance of balancing work, rest, and relationships. So the next time you’re in the wild, take a moment to reflect on the wellness practices of the animals around you – and perhaps, find inspiration for your own self-care journey.