The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (10-16 May), hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is Nature and Mental Health! Time to Change York Champions Maddy, Emma, and Rhys have written this blog to share their thoughts on “The Power of Nature”…
Many people enjoy connecting with nature, be it a brisk walk to “blow the cobwebs away”, a picnic in the summer sunshine or admiring a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Taking a little time out of the day to connect with the natural world can have positive effects on our mental health by reducing stress, improving sleep and boosting our mood. So here at Time to Change York we want to share some of the ways we like to connect with nature.
Image of a female with medium length hair, stood with her back to the camera. She is wearing a jacket, leggings, a backpack and walking boots. She has her arms outstretched and is stood on top of a hill overlooking a lake. There are hills in the distance and thick cloud coverage.
Stepping away from the screen
By Maddy, TTC Champion
I’m rarely without my phone and being a click away from emails and social media is a temptation that’s often hard to resist. While there are benefits to living in a super-connected world I sometimes feel disconnected from the natural world around me.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made me re–evaluate my relationship with nature. In the first lockdown it felt like someone had hit pause on urban life – the roads emptied, the shutters came down on shops and offices and schools fell silent. Faced with so much uncertainty I sought some calm and comfort by going for walks in my local park. Previously, walking had been a means of getting from A to B, but during lockdown it became a much-needed respite from the anxieties of the pandemic. It allowed me to slow down and find a little bit of joy and comfort in the natural world around me.
For me, getting outside and being physically distant from my workspace gives me the permission to switch off without feeling guilty. The stresses and anxieties of daily life seem much more manageable when I’m surrounded by the beautiful countryside. When I start to feel overwhelmed, focusing on small details in nature, such as dew drops on a leaf or the sound of the wind through the trees, helps me stay grounded and calm. In the past I’ve used walks as a ‘quick fix’ to boost my mood or destress, but I’ve grown to realise that connecting with nature is an important way for me to maintain good mental health so I now try to get outside every day.
Image of a small brown dog with white markings sat in a large open field. In the background there is woodland. The sky is cloudy with part of a rainbow stretching down from the clouds to the ground.
Dog walking
By Rhys, TTC Champion
I find there is something very therapeutic about walking my dog in nature. Stepping out from the busyness of everyday responsibilities. Immersing myself in the environment, regardless of the weather conditions. Consciously giving myself permission to experience whatever the weather is doing. Be it the warmth of a sunny summer’s day, to the wet and winds of a summer’s day. Being open to the experience at that moment in time imbibes a feeling of belonging.
When I’m dog walking, meeting other walkers, with or without dogs, gives me a brief moment to interact with other human beings. A simple nod of acknowledgement can make such a difference, especially in these COVID-19 times.
My dog requires walking every day; by opening my senses I feel, smell, and see the changing seasons. The sight and sounds of bird song, the ploughing of fields, emergence of green shoots of this year’s crops, growing and harvested. The changing livestock, the arrival of lambs and calves, the herds of deer. Walking my dog does wonders for my mental health and my journey of recovery.
Image of two plants in small plant pots sat on top of a desk. One plant is a type of Aloe Vera and the other is a money (Jade) plant.
Walking in solitude
Emma, TTC Champion and Project Coordinator
Similar to Maddy, I enjoy stepping away from my screens and connecting with nature whenever I can. For me I find the socially acceptable solitude of walking in nature, especially solo walking days / holidays in the UK really refreshing and relaxing.
When I can’t get away for a long period of time, I make sure to leave my house at least daily, especially now that I’m working a full-time job from home with no ‘reason’ to leave the house, to experience the fresh air on my face and to listen to wildlife. I often whip out my smartphone and take some nature pictures whilst out walking to capture the colours and changing seasons and sometimes to give a ‘purpose’ to my walk. Even if I haven’t felt like going out, I don’t think I’ve ever regretted going for a walk. I make sure that I pop on some waterproofs and still go out on rainy days even if it is only for 15 minutes round the block (after all if I was still physically going to work I would have been walking there no matter the weather!).
As well as walking in nature, I like to have a plant or two on my desk indoors, I and enjoy reading and writing and drawing on the theme of nature…connecting with nature isn’t just about physically being outdoors for me.