A-Z of mental health
Information and advice on a huge range of mental health topics
Feel better outside, feel better inside
Feeling stressed, anxious or low? We’ve got some great ideas to help you re-energise and give your mind a boost.
Now that spring is here what better excuse is there to get outside? To help you put some 'green letter days' in your diary and enjoy getting outside into nature here are some ideas.
Go on a nature date
Take that first step and hook up with some friends for a nature date. Just choose a card, add your message and send to a friend.
Try our outdoor activity picker
Need some inspiration to get out and enjoy all that springtime has to offer? Try out our fun activity picker for some great ideas.
Simply springtime photo competition
Getting outdoors with a camera can be a great way to unwind. Just take some photos of a springtime scene that brings you joy and upload it via our Facebook. A copy of the latest version of Adobe Photoshop Elements is up for grabs for our winner!
Five steps to wellbeing
Have you had your five a day? See how many of the following five steps you do regularly. Adding these to your daily routine will help to improve your mental wellbeing.
Outdoor exercise can boost your mental health
If you’re feeling low, the last thing that you probably feel like doing is getting outdoors. But research has shown that regular outdoor exercise that involves contact with nature can have big benefits for mental wellbeing as well as physical health. Be it gardening, visiting your local park, that woodland walk, or something more energetic like jogging or running.
Even GPs are increasingly prescribing regular doses of ‘Vitamin N’ for nature. Our gardens, parks and green spaces offer free resources that offer solutions to a wide range of medical problems.
And there’s good news for people with a mental health problem. Studies have shown that a programme of exercise can be just as effective as antidepressants for people with mild to moderate depression.
Our Ecominds programme, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, is also providing direct access to a fantastic range of green activities that can boost mental health. Find your nearest project with our online map.