Green and serene: Getting back to nature for our mental health

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 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.

1

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 to actively seek out nature. It’s all around us – it just needs a little more attention. Eat lunch in your garden instead of at the dining table, watch the birds and the trees through your window. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing – try to notice the nature surrounding you in a meaningful way.

2

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 birds, watch how the clouds move, take notice of how the warm sand feels on your feet. Using your senses can help to develop your connection with nature.

3

Get out in nature

There are fantastic opportunities in the Tees Valley to get back to nature. From green spaces in Hardwick Park and Guisborough Forest to blue spaces such as Seal Sands or Coatham Marsh – there’s something for everyone here. And you can even combine nature with your exercise to release even more endorphins.

4

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 inside. By adding plants to your home or growing flowers in your garden, you’re creating a meaningful, nurturing relationship with the environment. If the weather’s bleak, you can also watch nature documentaries – we suggest one narrated by David Attenborough’s soothing voice to further relax.

5

Combine nature with creativity

Activities where we feel emotions such as compassion or where we’re actively seeking out beauty can develop our connection with the natural world. Take the passions and skills you already have outside – whether you’re a dancer, a photographer or a cross-stitcher. Who knows? You may find some new inspiration.

6

Protect nature

Nature is wonderful and should be protected. There are simple things you can do every day to help look after our environment – recycling, turning the lights off and choosing to walk or cycle instead of driving to the shop. By taking care of nature, we are doing our part for the planet. And just doing good can make us feel better.