CONNECT
Green and serene
Getting back to nature for our mental health It’s important to look after not just our physical health – but our mental health and wellbeing as well. And there are little things we can every day to support this, including getting back to nature. How much nature we notice around us, our appreciation of our natural surroundings and even how much we think about it – our relationship with nature is critical in supporting good mental health and preventing stress. But nature doesn’t just mean woodland, forests and beaches – it can be as simple as the trees on your street, your own garden, and even indoor plants. Even watching nature
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Find nature wherever you are During busy periods, you might not have time to visit the seaside or the park. But you don’t necessarily need
documentaries has been shown to be good for our mental wellbeing. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 70% of UK adults believe being close to nature improves their mood and 45% said that visiting green spaces helped them to cope during the pandemic. However, did you also know that 16% of UK adults spend less than an hour around nature each week? We’ve put together some tips to help you connect with nature.
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Bring nature to you If you can’t get out to nature at the moment, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways you can bring nature
to actively seek out nature. It’s all around us – it just
inside. By adding plants to your home or growing
needs a little more attention. Eat lunch in your garden
flowers in your garden, you’re creating a meaningful,
instead of at the dining table, watch the birds and the
nurturing relationship with the environment. If
trees through your window. Wherever you are, whatever
the weather’s bleak, you can also watch nature
you’re doing – try to notice the nature surrounding you
documentaries – we suggest one narrated by David
in a meaningful way.
Attenborough’s soothing voice to further relax.
Use all your senses Put your phone down for a while and take some time to be mindful while you’re out in nature. Listen to the
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Combine nature with creativity Activities where we feel emotions such as compassion or where we’re actively seeking out beauty can develop
birds, watch how the clouds move, take notice of how
our connection with the natural world. Take the
the warm sand feels on your feet. Using your senses can
passions and skills you already have outside – whether
help to develop your connection with nature.
you’re a dancer, a photographer or a cross-stitcher. Who knows? You may find some new inspiration.
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Get out in nature There are fantastic opportunities in the Tees Valley to get back to nature. From green spaces in Hardwick
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Protect nature Nature is wonderful and should be protected. There are simple things you can do every day to help look after
Park and Guisborough Forest to blue spaces such as
our environment – recycling, turning the lights off and
Seal Sands or Coatham Marsh – there’s something for
choosing to walk or cycle instead of driving to the shop. By
everyone here. And you can even combine nature with
taking care of nature, we are doing our part for the planet.
your exercise to release even more endorphins.
And just doing good can make us feel better.
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