The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 is Nature… but why?

By Samantha Kendall of Kendall Training

A study was done in the 1960s in the US on nature and the impact it can have on hospital patients. scientists since then have started to learn the importance of nature and thankfully now it is widely known and understood that nature has a positive impact on our mental health, wellbeing, and even someone’s recovery.

‘There is something to be wondered at in all of Nature’ – Aristotle

So why?

Why does nature have such a positive influence on our mental health? We could go back as far as we possibly can in history and realise humans have always lived within nature, it has only been the last 5 generations where we have started to live separate from it. So, does that mean it is in our genes needing to be one with nature? I’m not sure but what I can say is to simply be outside away from the noise of everyday life can have such a calming influence on us.

Over the last year been able to go for a walk has seemed to be a privilege, and even something to look forward to. This has been something we have all taken for granted before the pandemic I am sure. To be able to walk alone, with your children, or even meet up with a friend has felt so important and holds such great benefits on our wellbeing.

Why do we feel guilty having some time for ourselves? 

Do you feel guilty leaving work for a walk at lunchtime, or leaving your partner at home with the children so you can have some alone time? I know I did!

I quickly realised that if I don’t look after myself and give myself time in nature then I won’t be able to focus as well on work, I will be snappy with the children or my husband. I also know I will be more susceptible to other people’s emotions and feel overwhelmed.

So now I have a 20-minute walk away from the houses and cars and I may listen to a podcast or some music but the one thing I do is lookup. I never realised how much I look down at the path when I walk. Why did I do it? nothing is exciting down there apart from my tiny size 2 feet!

Look up and out, take notice of your surroundings, breath in the air (even if the farmers have been in the fields spraying manure!) Taking notice of how we feel is important and remembering how rewarding a simple walk can be.

Picture taken by Samantha Kendall at Whisby Nature reserve March 2021

The Mental Health Foundation has set everyone a challenge that I would like you to try.

Experience nature: take time to recognise and grow your connection with nature during the week. Take a moment to notice and celebrate nature in your daily life. You might be surprised by what you notice!

Share nature: Take a photo, video, or sound recording and share the connections you’ve made during the week, to inspire others. Join the discussion on how you’re connecting with nature by using the hashtags #ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Talk about nature: Discuss in your family, workplace, and community how you can help encourage people to find new ways to connect with nature in your local environment.

Life can be busy and overwhelming so be kind to yourself. Lincolnshire has so many beautiful places to go, so go and start exploring and look after your mental health and wellbeing.

Sam Kendall is available for a FREE one-hour 1:1 session by filling out the form here.