This weekend is going to be a scorcher with 30C heat hitting the nation after warm air stretched across the Atlantic from Bermuda. With uncertainty around the lifting of restrictions on 21st June many of us will venture out no doubt to make the most of the heatwave. There’s a lot of good research to support the role nature can play in protecting and supporting our minds. The Mental Health Foundation have some excellent tips to help people understand, protect and sustain their mental health.
1. Find nature wherever you are
Nature is all around us. It might be a garden, a local park, a nearby beach or open countryside. Even in cities where nature can be harder to find, there’s things community gardens or courtyards to discover and explore.
2. Connect with nature using all of your senses
Whether you’re relaxing in the garden or on your way to work, try listening out for birdsong, look for bees and butterflies, or notice the movement of the clouds. All of these good things in nature can help you to find a sense of calm and joy.
3. Get out into nature
This can help you reduce your risk of mental health problems, lift your mood and help you feel better about things. If it feels daunting to get outside, try going with a friend or relative, or picking somewhere familiar.
4. Bring nature to you
Having plants in the house is a great way to have something natural to see, touch and smell pots of herbs from the supermarket are a good start. Grow flowers, plants or vegetables, get a bird feeder and take in the sights and sounds around you.
5. Exercise in nature
If you’re physically able to exercise, try to do it outside whether it’s a run, cycle or a short walk. Or why not try new routes that bring you closer to green spaces or water?
6. Combine nature with creativity
Noticing the beauty of nature and expressing this creatively can help you find meaning and an emotional connection to nature that will stay with you for a lifetime.
7. Protect nature
This can be as simple as recycling, to walking instead of driving, or even joining community conservation or clean-up groups. Taking care of nature can help you feel that you’re doing your part, and that can make you feel more positive all round.
Nature has played a critical role in our mental health during the pandemic, it is an essential health buffer and is generally accessible to most people. A dose of green space might be just what you need, just don’t forget to take the sunscreen!