Connecting With Nature

This Mental health awareness week give us an opportunity to open our eyes to the power of nature.

From forests, oceans and rivers to parks and gardens, to window boxes or even house plants, we can find nature wherever we are. Interacting with nature can be not just enjoyable, but also beneficial to our mental health and wellbeing, aspects of our health that are particularly important to look after.

Connecting with nature is about building a relationship with nature by noticing and becoming sensitive to the environment around us. We use our senses to do this – such as noticing the different cloud shapes in the sky, taking in the scents that flowers give off and listening to the birds chirping in the trees.

We all have different levels of access to nature, as well as different interests and activities we like doing. So, we need to find our own space and ways to engage with the nature around us in a meaningful way. It is important to remember that this might look different to others, and that is okay.

How can we connect with nature?

Ø Bring nature in- Eat breakfast in front of the window, observing the nature outside. Grow a vegetable garden, open a window, and listen to the different sounds, watching a wildlife program.

Ø Finding your own space in nature: Take a moment to be mindful. Taking quiet time to practice mindfulness in our natural surroundings. You could take a mindful moment as you: Walk in your local natural space. Water indoor or outdoor plants. Draw or paint the view from your window.

Ø Get creative - Nature inspires people to get creative! Creative activities improve mood and wellbeing. This could be things like: Take photographs of landscapes and natural spaces, make your own sketch of a natural object, play music outside, collect natural objects and make your own handmade card for others.

Ø Connecting with others- Nature often provides a great space to connect and socialize with family, friends, and the wider community. You could play sports with friends. Go for group walks, gardening or even do yoga outside.

Ø Being part of something bigger, Act. We have the potential to make a difference to the nature around us, and beyond, by getting involved in activities that create positive environmental change.