Connecting with nature is great for our mental health.
From forests, rivers, beaches, to gardens and parks,
you don't have to travel far to experience the healing qualities of nature.
For this video, I've popped down to my local green space to share with you
some of the amazing ways that nature can support your mental health.
Time in green spaces
Researchers have found a fascinating link between spending time in green spaces,
and improved mental health.
That's why it's so important for communities to have access to green spaces,
especially in cities. But if you pause and take in your surroundings,
you just might find nature in the most unlikely of places.
Staying active
Everyone knows that exercising is great for our physical health.
It's also great for our mental health and wellbeing.
But did you know, that exercising in natural environments can give it an extra added benefit?
Walking or running seems to give us an extra boost when we do it in a natural environment,
reducing feelings of anger,
fatigue, and sadness.
And the good news is, we don't even need to do it for very long!
Exercising outdoors for only five minutes has been shown to improve mood and feelings of self-esteem.
Mindfulness
Taking quiet time to reflect on our natural surroundings can be a welcome break from our busy lives.
There's evidence that ‘forest therapy’ or ‘forest bathing’ (famously known as Shinrin Yoku in Japan)
can really improve our mental wellbeing.
This means spending time in a forest or a wooded area and really tuning into all of your senses.
To the sounds of the birds song, the light on the leaves,
the smell of the forest, you become more present in the moment.
Giving your mind a break from the complexities of modern life can give
you a well-deserved recharge of your batteries.
Connecting with others
Having strong, healthy and supportive relationships with others
is so vital for our wellbeing.
And nature has a link to these relationships
because we often meet in green spaces and outdoors to connect with others and socialise.
In fact, natural spaces
give us a free or low-cost opportunity to get together
and give us a great boost to our mental health.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a picnic blanket,
or an umbrella and get out into the great outdoors.
Creativity
Many people find that nature inspires them to create,
whether it's writing, drawing,
photography, or other kinds of art.
There's just so much out there, from fiery autumnal leaves to the first blossoms of spring.
Connecting with wildlife
Studies have shown that when we take the time to observe wildlife in their natural surroundings
like watching birds in our gardens,
it can really help us feel more relaxed and connected to nature.
There's so much out there to see,
from the garden robin fluffing up for winter,
to the squirrel searching in the park for its nuts,
even to the city pigeon puffing out his chest and trying to attract a mate.
Why not take a couple of minutes now to look outside your
window or step outside and see what's waiting for you?
Being part of something bigger
Do you care about the footprint you leave behind?
Do you want to do something to help your local nature or your local community?
Do you want to be part of a movement of people across the world who care about our planet?
Well, research suggests that taking part
in social action not only benefits our local communities and our planet,
but also benefits us.
Studies have found a link between social action
and feelings of empathy, connectedness to your community, and improved self-esteem.
In partnership with the Mental Health Foundation,
we've created this guide to help you connect with nature and support your mental health.
The guide includes a lot more information
and activities, and it even has blank pages for you to draw or write on
and reflect with your experiences of nature.
With our modern lifestyles, it's easy to feel separate from nature.
But when we take the time to look after our mental health and connect with nature,
we begin to realise what many communities have known for centuries,
that we are in fact, a part of nature.
That's why we need to do more to make everyone feel safe,
and welcome in our green spaces, and our countryside.
There's lots of options with many parks, nature reserves,
and forest areas doing more to make it far more accessible.
You can find suggestions on where to visit at the back of the mental health guide.
It's also important to acknowledge that when you're struggling with your mental health,
it can feel difficult to even leave your house.
If that feels like you, then we hope to encourage you to think about how nature can help
next time you do feel ready to go outside.
We hope you found this video informative
and helpful and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a video.