Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May 2024) aims to raise awareness of mental health issues. The theme this year is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”.
Various studies have found that spending time in nature and exercise, such as walking, can all have a positive impact on our mental and physical health.
With this in mind, here is our pick of the best wellbeing and nature walks, mindful crafts to enjoy, relaxing nature books and wellbeing retreats.
Walk in the countryside
In recent years, a number of studies have found that walking in the countryside can boost mental health through the reduction of stress and levels of depression and the promotion of self-esteem. Exercise in the outdoors can also, of course, improve physical health and researchers have found that even just living near to green spaces can boost feelings of well-being.
Did you know that May is National Walking Month? Find inspiration for walks with our pick of the best routes in the UK.
Join a walking group
From improving your health and fitness to making new friends, joining a walking group has many benefits. Our guide on walking groups looks at the many benefits of rambling with others and how to find and join a walking club in your local area.
Try forest bathing
The first thing you need to know about forest bathing is that it does not involve swimming costumes, or even water. ‘Bathing’ in this sense just means a fully immersive experience of woodlands.
Also known as forest therapy, forest bathing encourages you to slow down, relax and engage your senses with the woodland around you: the sound of the wind in the leaves, the fragrance of ferns and fungus, the play of dappled light on the forest floor. Read more about the benefits of forest bathing.
Take part in wildlife or environmental volunteering projects
A recent study found that wildlife volunteering can significantly improve mental health, with two thirds of participants reporting improved feelings of positivity six weeks into the volunteering scheme. Tracking and viewing wildlife is also often found to be a calming activity.
Interact with nature regularly
The British countryside is not easily accessible for everyone, but this doesn't mean urban dwellers need to forgo the clear benefits of interacting with nature. Urban farms are now a common sight in inner city areas, offering education (particularly for children) about where food comes from, helping people with mental and physical health challenges, and promoting community empowerment.
Other easy ways to bring more nature into your day could be walking in your local park or green space, gardening, or even cloud watching.
Make nature-inspired crafts
Doing craft activities that require concentration is a form of mindfulness and has been shown to improve mental health. Why not try making a sea glass mobile or constructing a kite this week?
Listen to the BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast
In each episode of the BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast, we go on a great escape into beautiful landscapes where we look for great wildlife, explore curious historic sites, meet interesting rural people and discuss the big issues affecting the countryside. Our aim with each episode is to offer a restful retreat from daily life and help bring a bit more of the outdoors into your day.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 13-19 May 2024.
Find out more: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week