Finding solace in the great outdoors
There’s a very good reason that nature was the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.
During lockdown, when we were confined to our houses and cut off from our support networks, many of us found a great deal of comfort in nature. Our daily walks were a source of solace, and helped to remind us of everything good in the world.
Nature also helps to humble us, and put some of those niggling daily worries into perspective: there’s a whole universe going on around us, and it’s not going to end if we send that email ten minutes later than planned.
Exposure to nature has been proven to:
Reduce hypertension (high blood pressure)
Boost mood and vitality
Alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression
Restore attention levels
Redress mental fatigue
Improve feelings of contentment
Inspire mindfulness
Lower feelings of stress or anger
Help you to feel more relaxed
Aid a more active lifestyle
Increase the likelihood of forming connections
Our own Form data shows that nature is an incredibly positive driver of form, and that time spent in (and surrounded by) nature boosts our wellbeing in a way that few other things can.
The healing power of nature
With more of us suffering from mental illness than ever before, it’s reassuring to know that nature – something that’s free and accessible to all – can help to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. It’s also wonderful for our little people.
Children who spend time in the natural world have been shown to experience an increase in self-esteem, higher levels of creativity, and the confidence to take risks through discovery. Nature can even help to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD due to its ability to calm and soothe.
If you live in the middle of the city, or you find it difficult to get outside, you can still reap the benefits of the natural world. Getting out for walks, exercising in nature and venturing out for hikes are all truly wonderful ways to boost your wellbeing, but gardening, growing your own food, sitting in your garden, having a cup of tea outside, taking care of animals, surrounding yourself with indoor plants, and even watching nature shows can be just as effective.
Wherever you live, whatever your limitations, there will be an element of nature that seems made for you. Hone in on it, and never let it go.