The Benefits of Nature for Mental Health and Wellbeing
This week (Monday 10th — Sunday 16th) is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme of the campaign is nature.
In this article, we will explore the link between nature and wellbeing and how you can incorporate nature into your life.
Is there a direct link between Nature and Wellbeing?
A recent study shows that spending just 20 minutes in nature can relieve stress which can, in turn, improve wellbeing. The study published in Frontiers in Psychology notes that spending at least 20 to 30 minutes immersed in a natural setting was associated with the biggest drop in cortisol levels.
It was found in 2009 that patients in hospital rooms with plants and flowers had significantly more positive physiologic responses, such as lower systolic blood pressure, and lower ratings of pain, anxiety, and fatigue than patients in the control room.
Researchers have also found a fascinating link between access to green space, such as fields, forests, parks and gardens, and a reduced risk of mental health problems, improved mood, and increased life satisfaction.
One nature-based therapy being prescribed and enjoyed by many communities across the world at the moment is Ecotherapy.
What is Ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy is based on the idea that people are connected to and impacted by the natural environment.
Ecotherapy includes activities such as:
- Meditating in nature
- Horticultural therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Physical exercise in nature
- Conservation activities
Ecotherapy used in the U.K.
Many initiatives and community groups across the U.K. offer Ecotherapy as a way to offer communities new skills, wellbeing support and opportunities to socialise.
Coed Lleol/Small Woods Wales offer sessions such as campfire cooking and foraging, conservation activities, crafts, a green gym, survival skills, mindfulness and forest bathing.
People who attended their pilot programme raved about the benefits. Here are quotes from some of the attendees:
“I have begun ‘playing’ with new skills and exploring others ie. spinning/weaving. It has provided a positive time out from our current situation. I have made links with other local projects.”
“My mental wellbeing improved a lot. I look forward to the weekly group and helped beat loneliness. It encourages me to do new activities outside.”
They also offer free workshops via Zoom during the pandemic that has allowed people to access their content on mindfulness and foraging from a distance.
Accessing nature whilst indoors
We understand that spending time outside isn’t accessible for everyone, but there are ways that you can bring nature indoors.
Research has found that spending 60 seconds listening to woodland sounds can help you reach higher levels of relaxation than that of guided voice meditations.
The BBC has released a collection of Soundscapes for Wellbeing, the digital archive allows audiences to escape aurally around the world from the comforts of their living room.
Other options for accessing the benefits of nature indoors include:
- Using a SAD lamp to mimic natural light — accessing light sources has been proven to improve depression scores.
- Adding house plants to your space — rooms with plans have been proven to reduce stress levels, improve mental processing and greater levels of happiness than in rooms without plants.
- Growing food on your windowsills — such as cress, pea shoots, herbs, kale, baby beetroot, edible flowers and radish. The act of growing the food can be an opportunity to practice mindfulness and also enjoy nutritious food.
