We asked Angie, who runs many of our wellbeing courses, why she thinks nature is so good for our mental health and she listed 24 reasons:
- Something different to look at other than TV or four walls
- Something different to listen to e.g birds, water, wind blowing through leaves
- Fresh air helps us to breathe properly and aids oxygenation in the brain
- Can help regulate blood flow and heart rate
- Helps reduce/increase appetite if needed
- Boosts natural vitamin D production
- Uses our senses and so we become more mindful e.g sunsets/sunrises, feeling grass under feet make you feel grounded
- Being outside can help you sleep better at night
- Helps balance workings of mind and body
- Seeing nature continue marching on in face of all adversity
- Seeing nature helps us feel grateful for what we have and appreciate our homes more when we return
- Acts as a distraction from sadness and stress
- Get away from technology
- Can help us to be still
- Get away from pressure of work
- Can feel like sitting in nature’s living room
- Physical exercise in nature is good for mental health – releases endorphins
- Can help physical ailments e.g digestion
- Going out in nature can increase self-esteem and confidence
- Calms the mind
- Letting compost /sand run through fingers is relaxing/calming and releases endorphins
- Take nature home to remind you of what you experienced and then you can turn into art
- Watching animals is relaxing
- Nature is simple and can uncomplicate our busy minds
Share YOUR reasons
Can you think of any more? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Email Connie, our Communications Lead, at connie@maryfrancestrust.org.uk
Connect with nature with Angie
Angie will be facilitating our Coffee Mornings on on Friday 7, 14 and 21 May at 10.30-11.30am where she’ll discuss the benefits nature and walking can have on our mental wellbeing to mark Mental Health Awareness Week (10-16 May 2021) and National Walking Month (May 2021).
She will also demonstrate how to plant a container on the Stress Matters session on Thursday 6 and 13 May, 4pm-5pm. You are invited to join in if you want to or you can just watch. To make your own plant container, you’ll need: a container with a hole, some broken china/pebbles, multi-purpose compost and plants/flowers of your choice. Optional: slow release fertiliser granules and swell gel.
How to take part
If you’d like to join these sessions, contact our office to receive the Zoom links on 01372 375400, text 07929 024722 (SMS service) or email info@maryfrancestrust.org.uk
Please note that Stress Matters is a drop-in session but you will be required to stay the full hour if you join.
