Nature for Wellbeing

Nature is good for us. The success of the recent ‘green social prescribing’ scheme in England is testament to that. And researchers are even conducting a study to discover which specific trees offer the greatest benefits to wellbeing. Whether you live in rolling countryside or a bustling metropolis, you’re never far away from Nature – and the wonders it can do for your mood. Here’s a reminder of how to regularly check in with the natural world to help boost your wellbeing.

DEEPLY CONNECT WITH THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Being in the great outdoors is brilliant, but for the greatest benefits to health, experts recommend deeply connecting with Nature. That means pausing to notice and appreciate the details, whether that’s listening to the sound of running water, inhaling the scent of wildflowers, or gazing with wonder at wildlife.

The Nature Connectedness Research Group at the University of Derby, led my Professor Miles Richardson, explores the importance of connecting with Nature not just for ourselves but for the natural world itself. The idea is that the more time we spend in Nature – and the more we benefit from it – the more we’ll want to protect it. The group’s website has plenty of information and resources, including a free downloadable family activity pack. Richardson’s forthcoming book, The Blackbird’s Song & Other Wonders of Nature is described as ‘an almanac, focused on reconnecting with the great outdoors for the benefit of both us and nature.’

According to the WWF’s A Prescription for Nature campaign, ‘Just 20 minutes in Nature each day can improve your wellbeing’. The website is packed with ideas on how to make the most of the natural world for your health – and you can even order a free ‘Daily Dose of Nature’ pack through the post.

There are so many outdoor activities that help reduce stress: wild swimming, birdwatching, forest bathing – but sometimes a simple stroll is all you need. This article tells the story of a wellbeing walk in the Scottish borders, incorporating swimming, smells and even stars. But you don’t need to pull on your hiking boots and head into the wilds to get your Nature fix. This recent study found that outdoor spaces with a greater mix of natural features can be the best mood-boosters, so head anywhere with trees, animals and ‘blue spaces’ (bodies of water). You might find exactly what you’re looking for in your local park (here are some of our team’s favourites).

One effective way to deepen your connection with the natural world is through Nature journalling. You can venture outdoors to do it, or even try it from inside, looking through a window. Enjoy the benefits of closely observing Nature and the calming experience of writing about, drawing or painting your findings. You can read more on our blog: Nature Journalling for Mindfulness.

BRING THE OUTSIDE IN

Not everyone can get outside so easily, but it’s still possible to enjoy the benefits of Nature from indoors.

Setting up a bird feeder, even one that sticks to a window, gives you a front row seat at one of Nature’s greatest shows.

This study found that even watching a short Nature video was enough to boost mood and relieve stress in young people, so try tuning into a documentary or even just a short clip of wildlife or scenery.

Another way of connecting with Nature without leaving the house is to give Nature meditation a whirl; search for guided sessions on Youtube and Spotify – there are thousands! And you can fill an indoor space with greenery by growing houseplants (more on that below).

GIVE GARDENING A GO

Many people find solace from stress in gardening. Being close to plants and flowers, observing birds and insects and the sense of nurturing are all reasons why. Making your garden hedgehog-friendly or inviting other wildlife could mean you'll get even closer to Nature, and do your bit for biodiversity. 

That gardening is good for wellbeing is proven in multiple studies; this page on the Royal Horticultural Society’s website is packed with information. And this free online course from social and therapeutic horticulture charity Thrive encourages you to use gardening as a tool for wellbeing.

Gardening isn’t just for spring and summer; plant bulbs in autumn for cheery blooms to herald the following spring, or grow colourful winter plants to brighten up the colder, darker seasons.

If you don’t have an outdoor space to call your own, there are still plenty of ways to reap the benefits of gardening. As well as cleaning the air, houseplants have been proven to improve productivity in offices. If you work from home, adding some greenery to your workspace could help dial down stress at your desk.

Joining a gardening group is a great way of meeting others, combating loneliness and sharing the stress-relieving joy of growing. Search for community gardening groups in your area here, or if you’re interested in organic gardening in particular, here.

SPEND TIME WITH ANIMALS

We love animals. They’re fascinating, funny – and officially good for your health. Spending time stroking a cat or a dog is scientifically proven to relieve stress. A recent study by Washington State University found that just ten minutes spent with canine or feline pals can bring down stress levels.

If you’re feeling stressed and you’re a pet owner, spending a few moments curled up on the sofa cuddling your furry friend can help calm you down and reduce those feelings of overwhelm. Pictured above is Domino, one of our office dogs, who never fails to lift our mood!

Not lucky enough to own a pet? Ask friends or family if you can spend time with theirs. Take a dog for a walk in Nature and you’ll be completing two of the stress-busting activities on this list in one! BorrowMyDoggy is an online community that connects those wanting to spend time with dogs with owners who need a little help.

Animal assisted therapy programmes like these from The Donkey Sanctuary are a way to spend time with animals with the specific aim of aiding wellbeing. Therapy aside, there are plenty of days out that get you close to the healing power of animals, like petting farms and alpaca walks. Or why not just take that stroll in Nature and see what creatures you can find?