Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 : Nature
It seems incredibly fitting that after such a challenging and indoor driven year the theme for the UK’s 2021 Mental Health Awareness Week is nature. We have evolved intertwined with nature and the pandemic has made it clear to many just how detrimental it is to our wellbeing to be cooped up indoors. It has amplified mental health concerns for some, while for others it may have sparked them for the first time.
Studies have proven that within just a few minutes of being in a natural area our heart rates slow down, blood pressure decreases, cortisol levels drop making us less stressed and sunlight increases the production of serotonin which makes us feel happy. Trees and plants release chemicals called phytoncides which additionally boost our immune system with benefits lasting up to 30 days after exposure! The NHS has recognised the benefits of the outdoors, in 2018 GPs in Shetland started giving out Nature prescriptions to supplement treatment for mental illness, diabetes, stress and heart diseases.
Further studies have found that just by looking at nature either in real life or through photographs and videos can boost levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, reduce anxiety and stress. One particular study found that patients recovered faster and with fewer painkillers when they had natural scenes to look at. This means that even just by scrolling through photos or videos of nature can positively impact your mood, health, and well-being. Which is pretty amazing right?
Personally I have struggled with my mental health quite a bit the last two years since graduating from my Masters Degree, the pandemic occurring shortly after, amongst other personal situations. I have found that going outside more often made a huge difference in my mood, particularly going outside first thing in the morning. On days when I just couldn’t muster the energy or bother to face Scotland’s harsh wet weather I would find myself browsing through outdoor accounts on Instagram, watching YouTube videos by creators like Athena Mellor or reading nature based books also made a pretty substantial difference.
Some of the easiest ways I integrate nature into my daily life
Visiting a local park either for a walk, sitting on a bench and reading, or catching up with friends.
Having my morning cup of tea on a walk in the neighbourhood
Taking care of house plants
Reading about nature
Sitting in our buildings back garden
Watching nature documentaries
Listening to nature sounds
Exercising outdoors