How the Outdoors can Improve your Mental Health

Throughout the last 2 years, it has become increasingly evident that the outdoors is good for your mental health. The Covid-19 Pandemic highlighted how important it is to revitalise your mind with fresh air and to spend time outdoors enjoying what nature has to offer.

There are a variety of benefits to spending time outdoors such as:

• Reducing stress
• Lowering blood pressure
• Reducing heart rate
• Improved mood
• Increased self-esteem
• Improved mental health – concentration and focus
• Improved sleep

It is known that spending time outdoors increases serotonin and endorphins ultimately putting you in a good mood and giving your mind a refresh. It’s important for those of you who are working from home or back in the office to make sure you benefit from taking time away, to venture around your local neighbourhood or take yourself to a park to spend some well deserved time outdoors.

We’ve put together a few ways in which you can enjoy the outdoors and still feel like you’re doing something productive:

• Go for a walk/run – This can be done at any time of day and can be incredibly beneficial for those of you who want to get active
• Visit your local park – This is a great way for you to get out and sit in the park listening to music, a podcast or reading a book or having a picnic!
• Visit a national trust location – National Trust locations are great days out as you get to enjoy the outdoors whilst doing something fun
• Go hiking – Planning a hiking trip is a great way for you to spend time outside, refresh your mind, exercise and try out different hiking locations
• Gardening – Gardening is a great way for those of you who enjoy it to spend time outdoors as well as taking care of your garden
• Camping – Spending a weekend or night away camping helps make you feel at one with nature

We’d also recommend taking time for yourself on a regular basis to ensure your mental health is a priority in your day to day life.