Feel better outside, feel better inside
Outdoor activities such as gardening, walking and cycling are not only good for your physical health, but can improve your mental health too.
Research shows that those who are more active have a greater sense of wellbeing and have lower rates of depression and anxiety. Even simple activities like taking a stroll in the park, or doing some gentle outdoor exercise can have big benefits for our mental wellbeing.
Improve your mental health by getting outside into nature
Sometimes, getting the motivation to ‘get up and get out’ can be difficult, especially if you’re depressed or feeling low. But making that effort can give your mind a real boost.
- Think about doing some regular outdoor activity and try and make this part of your weekly routine.
- Why not involve others too. Enjoying the great outdoors with friends and family can be a good way of connecting with the people around you and strengthening your social networks.
If you need some inspiration, have some fun and try out our activity picker? We have some great ideas for easy to do activities for the autumn.
Get ready for our spring nature photo competition
What makes you smile when you’re enjoying the great outdoors? This spring Ecominds is running a themed photo competition for you to get creative.
You don’t have to be an expert photographer with all the latest equipment: pictures taken on a camera-phone will do fine. You can enter on our Facebook page from late March 2012.
Need some extra help?
If you are finding it difficult to get the inspiration to be more active the following may be able to help.
Ecominds projects
Ecominds is part of the Big Lottery Fund's Changing Spaces programme. Through Ecominds, Mind has funded 130 environmental projects in England to provide a range outdoor of outdoor green activities for people with mental health problems. Some projects are open to all, others require you to phone up for more information, and some require referrals from your GP.
You can search our map to find a project near you.
Your local Mind
Our network of local Minds across England provide a range of outdoor activities. Many have long-established gardening and horticultural projects; some organise walking and cycling groups, and most offer access to support services and the benefits of users support networks.
You can use this website to search for your local Mind and also find out what type of activities they provide.