The final part combines parts 5 & 6 of our Healthy Lifestyle Series and talks about wellness and how nature can help relieve stress.

 

If there’s one positive to come from the fact that we’ve spent so much time stuck indoors for the last couple of years, it’s that in doing so, we’ve learned to appreciate how amazing the UK countryside and the great outdoors truly are.

There’s nothing better than going for a stroll through the countryside and getting in amongst nature. The problem is that not everybody has access to rural surroundings, especially those living in urban environments. Several studies have found that nature can help improve mental health in a variety of ways, which is why, statistically, there are more cases of severe mental health issues affecting people living in cities and urban environments than there are people with access to rural and scenic surroundings.

Experts have found that wellness and nature go hand in hand and that there are countless benefits for a person’s mental health and wellbeing in general.

 

Here are four ways in which nature can improve your mental health.

Promotes exercise

We need exercise for a whole host of different reasons, both physically and mentally.

Exercise not only helps to strengthen the muscles, improve our fitness levels, and improve our organ health but has also been found to help improve our mood.

Exercise promotes the production and secretion of endorphins which help to boost our mood. Not only that, but it also helps to promote relaxation when the adrenaline has worn off, which combats stress.

One of the great things about nature and the great outdoors is that it encourages people to become more active. Even if you’re just going on a gentle stroll around the countryside, you’re still getting some aerobic exercise in and improving your fitness levels while also burning calories.

Combine all of these things together, and you can see why nature can be so beneficial when it comes to exercise and physical exertion.

 

Calming environment

Let’s face it, while urban living does have numerous benefits, and it’s not exactly conducive for people looking to relax and unwind.

Towns and cities have loud vehicles, more people, sirens, road rage, loud music, and much more, which are not great for people who are already dealing with stress and anxiety and are looking to try to relax and unwind.

Getting out into nature, however, is very different. Depending on where in the countryside you visit, you may barely encounter another person or vehicle, there will be fewer loud noises or distractions, and the only sounds you hear will be the singing of birds, the rustling of leaves in the trees, and maybe the trickle of flowing water.

Being out amongst nature is very calming, making it great for the mind, body, and soul.

 

New surroundings

No matter how happy you may be at home, it’s easy to find yourself stuck in a rut, which is why it’s so important to try something new and something different, even if it is just going for a walk around your local park.

Because the UK countryside is so diverse, there are heaps of places for you to go and things for you to do to help break up the monotony of day-to-day living, which is only going to have a massive effect on improving your mental health.

Getting outdoors and going to new places is great because not only is it encouraging exercise and helping you to get some fresh air, but it’s also opening up new surroundings and endless possibilities for you in terms of places to visit again.

 

Helps tackle stress

Yes, we know we’ve already looked at how calming nature can be, but there are many other ways in which nature can help to tackle stress and help us to relax.

Visiting the countryside where there are lush green hills and fields, trees, lakes, rivers, streams, forests, mountains, moorlands, and other stunning panoramas can help to take your mind off of things which are causing you stress and anxiety in the first place. If you’re out walking in nature, you’re living in the moment as all you’re thinking about is where each foot is going from one step to the next.

Not only can nature take your mind off stressful thoughts, but it also has a calming effect on the mind, as we’ve already mentioned; plus, it will help you relax better and get a good night’s sleep, which does wonders for your mental health.

If you struggle to sleep, fresh country air and exercise are two of the best solutions out there.

Wherever you reside, there is always some nature to explore, some greenery not too far away and fresh air fairly close by. So enjoy your unintentional mindfulness as you stroll the country lanes next time you’re out and about!