If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety or depression, or maybe just had too much on your plate it can be difficult to find the solace you need. Sure, there are counselling services, you can talk to your GP or seek psychological or psychiatric help.
But sometimes there are other avenues that can also provide relief. You might enjoy listening to music, especially those tunes you find uplifting or calming. You might find exercise a good way to burn off all that distress, but there’s something else you may feel drawn to, something that’s always there and free.
I make no secret of the fact I’ve struggled with anxiety and have had several bouts of major depression during my life and yes, I’ve sought help from people who work in the mental health space and am extremely grateful for their care and attention.
But one thing I worked out for myself, was the fact that getting out into nature, for a walk or to sit and quietly immerse myself in the natural sounds around me has always been my go-to. Inevitably I return from my time outdoors feeling better, my spirits lifted and better placed to handle life’s challenges.
I also use time in nature to maintain my mental wellbeing. We have dogs who are always up for a walk, so walking outdoors is a daily part of the schedule and being fortunate enough to live close to the ocean and have access to local bushland means we are spoilt for choice on where to go.
Time in nature for better mental wellbeing
Our urban environment plays an important role in determining our mental health and what the research tells us is having access to nature, whether a green or blue space is vital to our wellbeing.
Wherever you live, having access to some kind of natural space, a park, river or ocean lowers your risk for depression by 20%. Having areas with more biodiversity i.e. more than just grass and a couple of trees, and birdsong is especially good.
It doesn’t have to be a big space. If you can see trees from your backyard or can walk easily to a small green area, that’s enough. Research has shown that accessing greenspace even for a short time stimulates a positive effect on your mental wellbeing that can last eight hours!
That’s why, if you’re lucky enough to be able to get out first thing in the morning to take in the early morning light, and notice the trees and hear the birdsong, you’re setting yourself up for a good day.
If you’ve thought about getting out more often but haven’t been sure where to start, how long you need to be outside for or what the best type of green space is, the key is to give yourself permission to just do it!
When time is short and others – children, partners, work are beckoning, taking 3-4 minutes out of your day for you, to step outside, press pause and just look around you will produce a physiological and psychological effect. Because when you take care of your mental well-being, you’re better placed to help those you love, and they will love you for it.
Better still why not take the kids and your partner with you, so everyone will benefit. A stroll around the park, pack a picnic or play a game. It’s the little things that matter and these small nature-based interventions can have a profound positive impact on our psyche and physical health.
What’s not to love for doing something so simple, so enjoyable and so easy to make yourself feel better? With no side effects or cost.
How do you ‘do’ nature?
I’d love to hear your thoughts
