People are being encouraged to take advantage of the warm weather and longer days to spend more time outside and improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Ahead of National Allotment Week, taking place between Monday 8th and Sunday 14th August, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust, is urging everyone to embrace the natural environment and feel the benefits.
AWP is part of a pilot project, known as Green Social Prescribing, which enables health care professionals to refer people to nature-based activities.
From exploring green spaces and connecting with the environment, to exercising outdoors and growing your own plants and produce, many studies have shown that bringing nature into your life can improve your mood, help you be more active, reduce stress, boost your confidence and open opportunities to connect with others.
In research following the pandemic, the Mental Health Foundation reported that 70% of UK adults agreed that being close to nature improves their mood, with 62% feeling the benefits of spending time in the countryside.
Ashley, a resident from Bath who suffers from anxiety and depression, said: “Just having the chance to get outside in the fresh air and sunshine makes me feel motivated.
“The smell of the freshly mown grass and the music of the birds is so soothing and gentle, it really helps to clear away the cobwebs.”
Mathew Page, Chief Operating Officer at AWP, said: “We know that connecting with nature has a huge range of physical and mental health benefits, so we want to encourage people to use this month to get outside more.
“Whether it is walking with friends, open water swimming or growing your own fruit and vegetables on your allotment, you can start anytime and soon reap the benefits.”
AWP also runs an allotment project for veterans being treated within the mental health and wellbeing service called Op Courage.
The veterans are encouraged to share their experiences in an outdoor environment while transforming an overgrown allotment plot into a thriving garden of plants and produce.
Joanne Lawson, an occupational therapist who runs the allotment project, said: “Many veterans can feel quite isolated and alone, and have already tried more traditional help like medication, therapies and counselling.
“The allotment project offers them a project to focus on, meet others, share their experiences and improve how they are feeling. It’s something they have become very passionate about.”
There are many ways you can embrace nature and the environment to help improve your mental health and wellbeing.
Top tips from AWP include:
- Take time out from your busy day; notice the environment around you and appreciate your connection with nature.
- Start a gardening or outdoor project where you can relax and enjoy outside space.
- No garden at home? Instead, visit a local park, community farm or walk through the countryside to connect with a friend.
- Exercise outdoors in the shade and stay hydrated.
- Walk or cycle as part of your commute to work.
- Take photographs, videos or sound recordings to connect with nature. Your images may even inspire others.
