Nature
‘There is something to be wondered at in all of Nature’ - Aristotle
Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 has given many an opportunity to reflect and come together to tackle the stigma around mental health with a hope to continue the conversation that helps inspire us all to have a better mental wellbeing.
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness week has aptly been chosen as “Nature”; Connecting to Nature is central to both our emotional and psychological health[1].
The HMS Oardacious campaign was founded to help others, to promote Mental Health, Wellbeing and showcase the spirit of adventure in our beautiful natural world; there is no coincidence these are so closely connected. We could not align more with this year’s MHAW theme; the connection with our natural world, sharing it, caring for it and encouraging others to connect with the great outdoors.
We share a very special world with some incredible species and eco-systems (more on that soon); for most of our human existence we have lived within that natural world; we are bound by that connection.
You don’t have to row oceans to have that connection! Together with the Mental Health Foundation we are delighted to share some Top Tips to connect with nature :
1. Find Nature wherever you are: Nature is all around us, it might be a garden, a local park, nearby beach or open countryside to discover and explore. Look out for the unexpected – an urban fox on your way out for the early shift, changes in the weather or birdsong outside your window. Try to notice nature wherever you are, in whatever way is meaningful for you.
2. Connect with nature using all of your senses. Taking some quiet time to reflect in natural surroundings using all your senses can be a real boost to your mental health. 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. If you can, try to spend time visiting natural places - green spaces like parks, gardens or forests – or blue spaces like the beach, rivers and wetlands. 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. Sometimes it’s hard to access natural places because of where you live, how busy you are, how safe you feel or your health. Why not try bringing nature into your home? 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. If you have a garden, allotment or balcony, think about how you can make the most of it. Grow flowers, plants or vegetables, get a bird feeder and take in the sights and sounds around you. If planting isn’t your thing, you can also connect to nature through stories, art and sound recordings. Watching films or TV programmes about nature are also great way to connect with and reflect on nature.
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. Walking or running outdoors in nature may help to prevent or reduce feelings of anger, tiredness and sadness. Try leaving the headphones at home – unless you’re listening to nature sounds of course! Or why not try new routes that bring you closer to green spaces or water?
6. Combine nature with creativity. Try combining creativity with your natural environment. This could involve taking part in creative activities outside, like dance, music, or art. All of these things can help reduce stress and improve your mood. You could also increase your sense of connection by taking photos, writing, drawing or painting pictures of the landscape, plants or animals. 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. Taking care of something can be a really great way to feel good. And what better thing to take care of than nature? Nature is truly amazing – do what you can to look after nature - in your actions and choices. 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.
Photocredit: AJPMedia
[1] The Mental Health Foundation tells us that connecting with nature benefits our Mental health; we could not agree more that making time to be closer and appreciate our natural surrounding well help not just support good mental health, but prevent distress and help ground us.