What Makes Niko Alive?
On the streets of Exeter, conversations with creative individuals often reveal how deeply our well-being is connected to the natural world and creative outlets. In this feature, we speak with Niko about how music and nature bring vitality to her everyday life.
For Niko, feeling alive is anchored in peaceful environments and the centring presence of nature:
"Music & kind of beach walks... nature is like really important to me... It's just quite peaceful & it just helps you kind of feel a lot better."
Opening up about personal growth, Niko shares how leaning into these passions helped her navigate and overcome severe struggles with depression:
"I used to really struggle with depression & recently music, spending time in nature, that's really helped me get out of that & I'm a lot happier. If anyone's like struggling with depression, the best thing that you can do is find something like that that you enjoy & spend a lot of time doing that."
Closing our conversation, Niko shares a heartfelt message on self-acceptance and love:
"Love is love, be yourself & try and enjoy your life instead of thinking everything's horrible... be yourself & be happy."
