Hi guys, as you may know, it’s Mental Health Awareness Week and one of the standout themes is to “Connect with nature.” The past year has been a tough one as most of us have been unable to see friends and family outside our household and connecting with nature has been a welcome pastime. Interactions with the natural world spiked by as much as 2000% during the first lockdown, which coincided with the start of spring which meant that trees were blossoming and birds were singing sweet tunes. Here are some nature stimulating activities you could do this week.
Bird watching
Spring is the perfect time for bird watching and there are many species on show. The Common Blackbird for me has the best song. Humans are programmed to rely on nature to regulate our moods and behaviour and this is an ideal hobby for mindfulness. You can live in the moment and it is an activity you can do by yourself or in a group. It can provide the same benefits as meditation and listening to songbirds can make you feel at one with nature and provides a welcome break from our smartphones, making us feel at peace with ourselves. Bird watching can be a hospital for the mind and is something you can enjoy for free, in the comfort of your garden.
Gardening
Gardening is another tonic for your mental wellbeing and can improve your mood and quality of life. It is a proven stress reducer and is a fulfilling activity, for example, planting flowers and seeing them blossom is hugely rewarding and contributes to the environment. In addition, planting your own food is also good for the environment, as you can be sure that the ingredients are natural and nutritious and when ripe, you can pick them off from your garden, slashing transportation costs. Gardening is an escape and can help combat a sense of isolation by joining local clubs, especially with lockdown restrictions easing. Pest control measures can also be done without harming the environment or ecosystem, including erecting copper wiring around your precious plants.
Going for a walk
The little things in life can have a profound impact on our well-being. As many as 3.2M households have bought a pet since the first lockdown and 92% of dog owners say their dog has had a positive impact on their mental health since the start of the pandemic. Taking our furry companions out for a walk gives us a sense of peace like no other, especially if it’s during the evening when we’re greeted with a stunning sunset. If owners are responsible enough, it can go a long way to combating loneliness and isolation, as we can play fetch with them, nap with them and so on, becoming our best friend overnight.
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