Easy ways to incorporate nature into your life and boost your mental health

Ever noticed how a walk in the park can make you feel less stressed? Or how there’s just something about the sea air that makes you feel happier and calmer?

That is nature working its magic on your mental health. Being in the natural world can make us feel better, but with modern, urban living on the rise, accessing nature in our daily lives can be a struggle.

Studies have shown that outdoor walking boosts energy and vitality. It can help to mitigate the symptoms of seasonal depression by increasing exposure to sunlight and vitamin D.

Where you walk makes a difference as well, with proximity to nature and greenery having a more calming effect than walking in nature, and walking on a beach or near a body of water created significant improvements in mood.

A study in late 2020 found that being close to nature and green space was of particular importance to mental health during the Covid pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns.

‘Our results have potentially major implications for healthcare policy, as they suggest that urban nature (roadside trees and public green space) has the potential to prevent or ameliorate risk factors for mental health,’ researchers concluded.

‘Spending time in nature can benefit both your physical and mental health,’ says Rachel Boyd from Mind.

‘The colours, smells and sounds of the outdoors stimulate our senses in a way that indoor environments usually don’t. It can help us switch off and get away from day to day pressures, and feel a sense of connection to the world around us.’

She adds that when you couple being in nature with physical activity, the positive effects are even more pronounced.

‘Whether that’s walking in a local green space or hiking in the countryside. It can be a way to connect with friends and family or meet new people, which we know are key for good mental health,’ she says. ‘Or it can provide some peaceful time away from our daily responsibilities and activities.’

Find an outdoor activity you love

‘It’s important to try find an activity that works for you and can stick at,’ Rachel tells Metro.co.uk.

‘So, if walking or running aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other things you can try such as gardening, outdoor yoga. Tai Chi, or open water swimming.

‘There might also be projects in your local area with a focus on environmental causes, for example conservation projects or litter picking.’

Enjoyment breeds habit, so finding something you love is key to making your outdoor activity sustainable.

If it feels like a chore, you’re less likely to keep going. So, whatever you decide to do outside, make sure it is something that you truly enjoy.

Locate local nature spots

‘For many of us, access to green space and nature isn’t easy,’ says Rachel.

‘If you live in a city or urban area, or find being outside hard, you can bring nature into your life through sitting by a window, or going to a local park, and taking in the sounds, smells and views – you could try observing birds, butterflies or changing seasons in the plants and trees.’

Over lockdown, we have all got to know our local areas as we found ourselves going on daily walks to stay fit and active. Retrace your steps and remind yourself of any nearby green spots, fields, parks, woodland.

Why not make it your mission to find out just how much nature is in your vicinity? You’ll be surprised at how close we are to wildlife if we are really paying attention.

Invest in plants for your home or balcony

‘Buying a plant or seeds to grow, either inside or on an outdoor space available to you like a balcony or window ledge, is a good way to engage with nature,’ adds Rachel.

We all tried to become plant parents during lockdown, so why not redouble your efforts to bring some greenery into your home.

If you struggle to keep your green babies alive though, opt for low-maintenance options that thrive in low light.

More greenery in your home not only looks great on the ‘gram, it will also help you to connect with nature without even leaving your front door.

Plan your journeys with nature in mind

Rather than jumping on the bus to the tube or train station – could you walk it?

Yes it might take a little more planning and some time management, but building walks into your journeys – whether it’s meeting friends or your daily communte – is a great way to get some additional fresh air.

If you can cut through a park or some green space on your way – even better.

Take your meetings outside

Whether they’re IRL or over Zoom, now that the weather is getting better there’s no reason why you can’t pop outside for one of your meetings during the working day.

Take a break from the stuffy atmosphere of the office, or your cramped WFH desk, and head to the balcony, back garden, or even a local bench. You can communicate just as effectively outside, and it gives you a chance to soak up some sunlight and breathe fresh air.

Try green micro-breaks if you’re stuck inside

A study from the University of Melbourne found that spending as little as 40 seconds looking outside at nature can help restore concentration. Meanwhile, another report from the University of Rochester discovered that just a brief glimpse of the color green before doing a creative task is enough to increase creative performance.

So, if you’re stuck in an office, or don’t have the time for a walk in the park, a simple glance out of the window at some nearby greenery could still have a positive effect.

Is there a tree outside your office? Or a bush by your block of flats? Every could of hours take a break and go and stand near it. Less than a minute could have you feeling more focused and positive about your day.

This Mental Health Awareness week Mind is here to fight for mental health. For support. For respect. For you. For more information on how to get involved visit www.mind.org.uk/jointhefight.

Do you have a story to share? We want to hear from you.

Get in touch: [email protected].

Metro.co.uk MHAW Takeover

This year, to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, Metro.co.uk has invited eight well-known mental health advocates to take over our site.

With a brilliant team that includes Alex Beresford, Russell Kane, Frankie Bridge, Anton Ferdinand, Sam Thompson, Scarlett Moffatt, Katie Piper and Joe Tracini, each of our guest editors have worked closely with us to share their own stories, and also educate, support and engage with our readers.

If you need help or advice for any mental health matter, here are just some of the organisations that were vital in helping us put together our MHAW Takeover:

• Mental Health Foundation

• Rethink Mental Illness

• Samaritans

• Mind

To contact any of the charities mentioned in the Metro.co.uk MHAW Takeover click here

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