5 ways to connect to nature for Mental Health Awareness Week

5 ways to connect to nature for Mental Health Awareness Week

Get outside and feel the benefits on your mental health.

Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week (10-16th May), and this year the theme is nature. Green spaces and the unlimited beauty the great outdoors possesses will always be huge passions of ours. Not just because we love plants for their stunning looks, but there's a lot to be said for how greenery makes us feel. According to research, spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing (nature.com) – making it a great way to boost your mind. And, there’s no need to feel excluded if you’re a city dweller, as just looking at greenery within the home will help, too (any excuse to buy another houseplant, right?!). Here’s 5 ways to incorporate more nature in your life – and they’re also fantastic ways to destress and calm your mind, too.

1. Green up your interiors

No matter who you are and where you live, you needn’t miss out on the abundance of benefits nature has as houseplants are an easy way to inject some greenery into your lifestyle. From compact cacti that fit neatly on shelves to tall palms that take centre stage in living rooms, there’s a houseplant to suit everyone. And there’s no need to limit yourself to indoors either as we’ve recently expanded to outdoor plants as well. The more plants, the better! Head to our website to shop our full range.

2. Take a walk

Walking does wonders for your mental health. It’s a great form of low impact exercise, it’s an easy way of getting some fresh air and head space, and, of course, it’s a great way to immerse yourself into nature. In fact, the benefits of walking in nature can be felt for up to seven hours afterwards. Some of our favourite walking routes include heading down to the seafront and feeling the sand between our toes, enjoying the tranquillity of a secluded woodland wander, and even challenging ourselves to hillier hike. The best part? Walking is free and accessible to us all, so get out there and soak up the best of nature.

3. Chase the sun

There is something so magical about witnessing the simple beauty of a sunrise or sunset. However, instead of catching this on the off-chance, bide your time and wait for a clear morning or night and dedicate an hour of your day to slowing down and watching nature do its thing. The array of colour that decorates the sky will be worth it. Grab snacks and a blanket, and set yourself up for an alfresco viewing – of course, snap an obligatory photo whilst you’re at it, too.

4. Listen out

Nature isn’t just pretty to look at it, it’s also incredible to listen to. Spotify is crammed full of playlists titled ‘relaxing nature sounds’ which speaks volumes, literally. Whether it’s the calming sound of trees wafting in the wind, birds singing or the gentle crashing of waves hitting the shore, there are so many noises nature produces that have a real calming effect to them. We recommend unplugging your headphones and simply allowing the great outdoors to fill your ears and ground you after a manic day.

5. Go fruit picking

Another simple pleasure – there is so much joy to be found in packing a basket full of the freshest, ripest and juiciest fruits to take home and enjoy. Plenty of farms offer this kind of activity – and on a sunny day, it’s the perfect way to spend time in nature. Once you have secured the goods, taking them home to cook up a storm is that little bit more satisfying.