Commune with nature to banish autumnal blues, say psychiatrists

SPENDING time in nature can help to alleviate the winter blues, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Forestry England.

Leading psychiatrists have teamed up with the largest provider of outdoor recreation in England to urge people to continue venturing outdoors this autumn and winter.

One in three people in Britain suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as the days grow shorter, but studies show visiting forests can boost social, mental and physical health. Walking in nature improves cognitive function and helps support the immune system.

However, one in five regular forest visitors say they never go in the winter.

“Spending time outdoors in nature, including woodlands and forests, can really improve mental health,” said Dr Alan Kellas, a psychiatrist and lead for Green Care on the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Sustainability Committee. “Our senses are engaged differently, our attention changes, we naturally become more mindful, our mood settles if aroused or anxious, or lifts if low or depressed. Our imagination can be sparked and we can gain a different perspective on our lives, projects and problems. Noticing the way trees grow and mature, their autumnal colours or winter skeletons, or the way wildlife adapts to seasons changing, can help slow our ruminating thoughts and help us see our place in the wider web of life.”

Anxiety and depression cost the UK £70-£100 million a year yet studies have shown spending as little as two hours a week in nature is effective for maintaining good mental health.

Last month, Forestry England announced 125 miles in new running trails through Britain’s forests. The organisation is also increasing its provision of wildlife walks, archery, fitness classes for new mums, foraging workshops, wild women days, and yoga.

Ellen Devine, the Wellbeing Projects Manager at Forestry England, said: “From the colours of autumn to the crisp frost of a winter’s morning, the forest is full of magical moments.

“While it can be tempting to retreat at this time of year, it’s so important to keep going outside and keep exploring. Even a short visit to the woods can work wonders for how we feel.”

The campaign was launched in advance of tomorrow’s World Mental Health Day.

Dr Liz O’brien, head of the Social and Economic Research Group at Forest Research, said: “Spending time in woodlands helps people develop social connections with others.

“It provides a wide range of sensory benefits as well as a chance to enjoy and observe the seasonal changes in nature.”