Initiative of the month: Let’s go outside

VITA’s

Initiative of the

Month

Let’s go OUTSIDE

Stress, depression, anxiety, or just plain mental fatigue? Ecotherapy can help

It’s actually very simple: a good environment can infl uence a person’s mental well-being positively; a bad environment can infl uence it negatively. So far, so straightforward. Research in a growing scientifi c fi eld called ecotherapy has shown a strong connection between time spent in nature and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. The signifi cant and growing body of evidence shows that time spent in nature – or even just looking at or into natural scenes – can reduce mental and physical health risks.

Unfortunately, the last decades have taken a toll on our environment: our changing climate, economic uncertainty, work insecurity, strange weather patterns, and the displacement of millions of people. All these factors also infl uence mental health.

Therefore, it is not a surprise that poor mental health is the largest cause of disability in the UK and rates are on the increase. There is a good chance that you or someone close to you has struggled with ill mental health. One in four people in England will experience a mental health problem in any given year – the fi gure is even higher among women.

If you want to know the eff ect that nature already has on us and our mental health just look at the well-known mental health issue Seasonal Aff ective Disorder (coincidentally shortened to SAD). SAD is a mood disorder that mainly aff ects people that would claim their mental health is ‘normal’ throughout the year, except for certain periods, most commonly in winter or when there are few sunlight

hours. The symptoms of SAD include sleeping too much, having barely any energy, and overeating.

The positive eff ect of nature is particularly well researched in Japan. Here, “shirin yoku” is practised, the so-called forest-bathing (being in the woods and engaging all your senses). There are 48 therapy trails across the country, and the results are phenomenal. The participants’ immune system is boosted and the more frequent the participation, the lower the stress hormone levels.

Our surroundings have a crucial importance to both our physical and psychological well-being. There is a rising number of studies surrounding the link between certain air pollutants and mental illnesses such as depression, dementia, and anxiety. The risk is especially high among young people living in urban areas: according to a recent study published in Psychiatry Research, children become three to four times more likely to have depression at 18 if they had been exposed to dirtier air at age 12.

While it won’t heal everything, and medical treatment and advice is still crucial, it is helpful to know that there is a simple and well-evidenced opportunity just outside our front door to feel more positive. Make interactions with your environment second nature (pun intended) and try to fi t time outside into your daily and weekly routines. 30 minutes a day will be helpful.

By bringing mental health awareness and sustainable development together, we will create fl ourishing individuals, communities and environments.

Have lunch outside.

Take a walk to a nearby location and eat with less urban distractions. Either way, daily movement is good for you, especially if you work at a desk.

Plan at least one ‘wilderness’ trip a week.

Research bodies of water, woodland or parks near you and make a day out of it.

Grow your own veggies and fruits.

This will not only ensure you have locally sourced food, but also lets you connect with nature.

Help the environment.

Go litter picking, volunteer at a conservation project, or simply ask your community what they think will help.

Leave your phone at home

Try to go outside without posting it on social media or texting your friends all about it. Really let your senses take in the environment around you. Take some me time - *gasp* - without your phone.