You can find out more on the Mental Health Foundation’s website or keep reading below.

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness week is nature, as it is central to our psychological and emotional health. It has a unique ability to bring consolation when we are stressed, and increases our creativity, empathy and feelings of positivity. The natural world around us is perhaps something many of us took for granted, until the pandemic when millions of us turned to outdoor spaces and going for walks, bike rides or running became one of the top coping strategies. Some studies also found that people were not only outside surrounded by nature more, but were really noticing it, with more videos and photos of wildlife and botanicals being posted online.

Feeling inspired to get out and about? Here are some of the Mental Health Foundation’s top tips to connect with the natural world around you:

• Find green spaces and look for the unexpected – We don’t have to go on a hike to feel the benefits of being outside, just going out in the garden can make us feel better. If you live in a built-up area, community gardens and courtyards can provide access to green space. Making a conscious effort to notice the things around you – birds, bees, wildlife and flowers can also have a positive effect.
• Look, listen and smell – Practice a little mindfulness and self-awareness by putting down the mobile or electronic devices for a few minutes and focus on the sights and sounds of the space around you. If you feel stressed, focussing on the natural sounds of birds or running water, or the perhaps the scent of flowers can bring you into the present moment and help you feel calm again.
• Get out and about – If you are able, visiting green spaces like parks, gardens or forests and blue spaces like beaches, rivers and wetlands can help reduce the risk of mental health problems, lift your mood and help you feel better all round. If venturing out feels daunting, try going with a friend or family member and picking a familiar location.
• Bring the outside world, in – Sometimes you may be unable to get out because of where you live or a busy schedule. So try bringing the natural world to you by adding some house plants or potted herbs to your interior. You could also try adding some framed photos or wall art that is inspired by nature – wildlife, animals, botanicals and rural landscapes are ideal for this. If your outdoor space is limited, think about how you can make the most of balconies, yard areas or small gardens by growing small plants, flowers and vegetables in containers or adding climbers. Don’t forget to encourage wildlife with bird feeders and flowers that attract bees too!
• Exercise Outdoors – Something that lock down taught many of us to appreciate… If you are physically able, try exercising outside – whether that’s running, cycling or a short walk. Exercising outdoors can help prevent negative emotions such as stress, anger, tiredness and sadness and can increase our productivity. It doesn’t have to be a marathon either as short bursts of 20 minutes can be just as effective.
• Get creative outdoors – If you are creative, try combining your creativity with the natural environment to feel extra therapeutic benefits – you could drawing, painting or experimenting with photography outside.

If you’d like to find out more, here are some more resources from the Mental Health Foundation:

Looking out for young people and Teenagers: Teen Mental Health – A Guide for Parents.

Advice for students: Understanding and Managing Anxiety.

Looking After your Mental Health: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/looking-after-your-mental-health

Getting Help with Your Mental Health: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/getting-help