Explains how nature can help your mental health. Gives tips and ideas to try, and suggests where to go for more information.
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This page has some tips and suggestions for enjoying nature. Don't worry if some ideas don't feel right for you. See if you can find some that do, or adapt one to suit you.
“I love watching the garden change. The difference I make when I dig a bed, plant something or even cut the grass. And honestly I'm no gardener! An easy way for everyone to connect with outside is to watch the birds. Put out a bird feeder to attract them. Otherwise just get outside, blow the cobwebs away, breathe deeply. Bliss.”
“I very much enjoy being part of a community garden. It gives me a regular weekly time to devote to being outdoors, to work alongside people of lots of different ages and nationalities. It teaches me new skills and techniques. It's fantastic to work as part of a larger group, to see positive results in terms of seed and plant growth. And to harvest and feel part of the natural cycle of life. To see biodiversity at work.”
“I started out by just finding an empty and unused space in the garden outside my window and tending to it.”
It can also be helpful to find out if your local area runs any ecotherapy programmes.
“Hill walking and camping help to keep depression and anxiety at bay for my partner, as does trekking and gentle hill walking for me. When you are in nature your mind is free of the daily stresses and you can spend your time being in the moment instead.”
“I use photography as a creative outlet to express myself and support my health. It helps you to be mindful in the moment and rediscover the beauty in your own surroundings. Like noticing the resilience of a flower growing with determination though a crack in concrete, or capturing the beauty of raindrop patterns. The process of observing the outside world breaks the cycle of being caught up with negative internal dialogue.”
“I started volunteering on Saturdays when I was in a really low frame of mind, and it really helped me recover more quickly. I work full-time in an office during the week so doing something so active in such a different environment is a lovely contrast.”
“Crouching in the garden, getting dew and soil on my hands and smelling the lovely, earthy smells is one of the only times I can feel at ease without wanting earphones in to cancel the noise of my busy brain.”
“Being outside, feeding rabbits, talking to the donkeys and looking after sick lambs. It's incredibly grounding, no matter what my state of mind. Getting muddy in all weathers, breathing fresh air. Proudly talking to visitors about the animals and being part of the seasonal cycle of a farm. It's been been life-changing.”
“The daily walking helps me organise my thoughts, and become more aware of my environment.”
Watch Clare talk about how her dog, Watson, reminds her of some important principles of mindfulness:
“It gives you perspective and makes you feel connected with something much bigger than yourself, which I find very comforting.”
This information was published in November 2021. We will revise it in 2024.
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