Mother Nature, the healer

The benefits of being out in nature for mental health

There is a lot going on in the world right now and sometimes it can feel like there's no escape. We have 24-hour news channels alerting us at every time of the day to the horrors of the world and we carry around little devices in our pockets that constantly ping with the next bad news story. It isn't just the news that affects us either, the endless scroll of social media presents its own set of challenges. By exposing ourselves to constant information in the form of images, videos and text, for hours a day, we're simply exhausting ourselves and adding further issues. It can be easy to forget that social media is just a carefully curated snapshot of someone's life and when you see a filtered image of that old friend seemingly doing better than you, it can be enough to spiral your mood into comparison and sadness. But what do most of us do in this situation? We keep scrolling and it gets worse and worse, so much so it might just ruin your day. On top of this, we're also all suffering from pandemic fatigue and a lot of us are feeling like we can't cope with much more. Add in our own life stressors such as our finances or personal issues and modern living seems like a cocktail of mental turmoil, which is definitely shaken, not stirred.

According to My Mind, one in four people in England will experience a mental health problem each year, with the potential for this figure to be higher. Such issues can include anxiety, depression or panic disorder. Over the last two years, mental health issues directly linked to the pandemic, such as isolation or health anxiety have increased and it is expected that data will emerge over the next few months to reflect this. Many people have reported suffering with new anxiety or with existing conditions being exacerbated as a result of both the circumstances and mental health services being effected by restrictions.

The World Health Organisation has uncovered data that shows that COVID-19 is disrupting mental health services in most countries while at the same time is increasing the need for such services. This combination has left a lot of people in limbo and struggling as we start to embrace ‘the new normal'.

Seeking professional help is extremely important if you find that your mental health is suffering. Speaking with your doctor is usually the first place to start but you can also confide in a trusted friend or family member as a start. As they say, a problem shared is a problem halved and talking to anyone at all can be a great relief.

Once you have gathered some form of support, is there anything else you can do to alleviate some common mental health symptoms, right away? While there is no quick fix, there is something available to us all, no matter our circumstances. It is also completely free and closer than you think, in fact, it's right outside your window.

The benefits of being out in nature to our mental health has long been discussed with more and more studies coming out outlining just how beneficial it can be. Nature is everything outside, from the landscape to the plants, flowers and trees and even animals and insects too. It is defined as products of the Earth, rather than that of a human creation. Studies have shown that being outside can improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. By immersing yourself in nature and paying attention to things like the smell of fresh flowers in the air or the sound of

“One in four people in England will experience a mental health problem year” each

someone cutting their grass can become a mindfulness exercise, grounding you to your surroundings and giving you a break from your worries.

By really paying attention to what's going on around you, you can see some beautiful sights, such as buzzing bees hard at work or the first butterfly of the season. These little things can lift our mood and fill us with a sense of being part of a bigger picture. The next time you find yourself scrolling through social media with your mood getting worse, put the phone down and get outside. Taking in a breath of fresh air and having 10 minutes in nature can really shift your mood. You should arrive home feeling refreshed after shifting the negative energy and even if you don't feel it like it, you have just done a good thing for yourself, and your mental health will thank you for it.

The actual act of walking can improve our physical health too, which will have a knock-on effect on your mood. Turning up the tempo even slightly and increasing your speed to a brisk walk, can release endorphins, these chemicals released in the brain have been shown to improve your mood and boost relaxation. Some recent studies have found that even walking at a comfortable pace promotes feelings of relaxation, so you can walk at a pace that suits you.

Another benefit to being out in nature is that it can help with feelings of isolation or loneliness by encouraging you to be around others. Don't be afraid to smile at someone walking by or say hello to that neighbour you never really talk to. Even these small exchanges can boost our mood and benefit our wellbeing.

A simple activity you can try today, is going out for a coffee and sitting outside to drink it. Make sure you finish the whole cup outside and while you do, keep your phone in your pocket! Take a look around you and take in the sights and sounds. If you live in a built-up area, see how many little pops of nature you can notice; are there any bushes starting to flower or birds soaring above you? If you're in a park full of trees, can you hear the wind coming through them? If you don't have a coffee shop close by, or are saving money, take a reusable cup from home and have your morning beverage outside instead of at your desk or in front of the TV. If you made this tiny mindfulness activity part of your daily routine, you might notice you start to look forward to your little piece of ‘me time' each day.

If you feel particularly anxious or are struggling with your mental health, trying to have a short daily walk can really benefit you. This small routine can give a structure to your day and if you find it hard at the start, don't go too far from home. Start in your garden and go from there, even if it's just to the end of your street and back, without any distractions and just taking in your surroundings. Ticking this off can give you a sense of accomplishment even if you feel low, so why not jot it down each day in a journal with a line or two about where you went and what you saw.

The healing powers of Mother

Nature and the sense of connection to the natural world that you get from immersing yourself in it can really be a benefit to you. Whether you live in a city or in the countryside, nature is all around you, you just have to step outside to really enjoy it. While there are countless studies on green spaces, blue spaces, such as the sea and waterways, are also included and a walk along a river or even a stream can provide a new sensory level of calm.

Even if you don't feel like it today, put on some comfortable shoes, grab your keys and step outside, even if it just makes you smile for a second, thats a good place to start.

Disclaimer: These tips are advised to be used alongside mental health support from a professional. If you or someone you love is experiencing any mental health worries, please speak to your doctor.

For more from Amy Rohu, follow @vegan_with_amy on Instagram.

“Whether you live in a city or in the countryside, nature is all around you, you just have to step outside to really it” enjoy