There are so many aspects of nature around us that can be experienced and that can have a positive impact on an individual’s mental health and wellbeing.
It is well known that being amongst nature can impact how we feel. Studies have found that green spaces such as rural locations, parks and gardens, and blue spaces, such as areas that have or are near bodies of water, can have a positive impact on our physical and mental health and increase levels of resilience. These spaces can help to reduce stress levels and lift a person’s mood.
When we consider “being in nature”, it doesn’t have to mean visiting places of vast landscapes; simply appreciating a tree in an urban environment, watching the birds in your garden, or having some plants around you, can all positively impact your mood and mindset.
Connections with nature
A connection can be described as the way that we relate to something. When people connect with nature, they may feel more at one with their environment, more absorbed in their experience and increasingly grounded in the present moment.
There are many ways we can connect with nature, including mindfulness and mindful walking, listening to the sounds around you, spending time with animals and caring for them, and exercising outside including yoga and meditation. Studies have shown that exercising and being outside can reduce stress, so why not combine the two?
Exploring nature and wellbeing further
If you’d like to explore this topic in more detail, head to our Courses where you can take the “Nature and Wellbeing” course.