24 reasons why nature is good for our mental wellbeing

We asked Angie, who runs many of our wellbeing courses, why she thinks nature is so good for our mental health and she listed 24 reasons:

1. Something different to look at other than TV or four walls
2. Something different to listen to e.g birds, water, wind blowing through leaves
3. Fresh air helps us to breathe properly and aids oxygenation in the brain
4. Can help regulate blood flow and heart rate
5. Helps reduce/increase appetite if needed
6. Boosts natural vitamin D production
7. Uses our senses and so we become more mindful e.g sunsets/sunrises, feeling grass under feet make you feel grounded
8. Being outside can help you sleep better at night
9. Helps balance workings of mind and body
10. Seeing nature continue marching on in face of all adversity
11. Seeing nature helps us feel grateful for what we have and appreciate our homes more when we return
12. Acts as a distraction from sadness and stress
13. Get away from technology
14. Can help us to be still
15. Get away from pressure of work
16. Can feel like sitting in nature’s living room
17. Physical exercise in nature is good for mental health – releases endorphins
18. Can help physical ailments e.g digestion
19. Going out in nature can increase self-esteem and confidence
20. Calms the mind
21. Letting compost /sand run through fingers is relaxing/calming and releases endorphins
22. Take nature home to remind you of what you experienced and then you can turn into art
23. Watching animals is relaxing
24. Nature is simple and can uncomplicate our busy minds

Share YOUR reasons

Can you think of any more? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Email Connie, our Communications Lead, at connie@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Connect with nature with Angie

Angie will be facilitating our Coffee Mornings on on Friday 7, 14 and 21 May at 10.30-11.30am where she’ll discuss the benefits nature and walking can have on our mental wellbeing to mark Mental Health Awareness Week (10-16 May 2021) and National Walking Month (May 2021).

She will also demonstrate how to plant a container on the Stress Matters session on Thursday 6 and 13 May, 4pm-5pm. You are invited to join in if you want to or you can just watch. To make your own plant container, you’ll need: a container with a hole, some broken china/pebbles, multi-purpose compost and plants/flowers of your choice. Optional: slow release fertiliser granules and swell gel.

How to take part

If you’d like to join these sessions, contact our office to receive the Zoom links on 01372 375400, text 07929 024722 (SMS service) or email info@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Please note that Stress Matters is a drop-in session but you will be required to stay the full hour if you join.

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