How can nature benefit children’s mental health
Being in nature and surrounded by greenery can have a lot of positive effects on our mental and physical wellbeing. This can be achieved by simply spending time outside or incorporating nature into our daily routine, such as gardening or exercising outdoors. Here are some of the ways nature can benefit us:
Boosts Mood: Being in nature can lift our spirits and enhance our mood, helping us feel happier and more positive.
Reduces Stress and Anger: Nature has a calming effect on the mind and can help reduce feelings of stress or anger, leaving us feeling more relaxed and peaceful.
Promotes Physical Health: Spending time outdoors can also improve our physical health by increasing our exposure to sunlight and fresh air, as well as encouraging us to be more active.
Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem: Trying new outdoor activities or connecting with nature can help boost our confidence and self-esteem, giving us a sense of accomplishment.
Encourages Social Interaction: Being in nature can also provide opportunities to meet new people and connect with our local community, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Fosters Connection with Nature: Spending time in nature helps us appreciate and connect with the natural world, which can have a positive impact on our overall wellbeing.
Provides Peer Support: Being part of a nature-focused group or community can also provide peer support and a sense of belonging, helping us feel supported and understood.
Nature has a way of affecting people differently, and it’s important to find what works best for you. Whether it’s going for a walk in the park, gardening, or playing with animals, being in nature can have a range of positive effects on your mental and physical wellbeing.
If you’re struggling with mental health issues like anxiety or depression, spending time in nature has been shown to help. Ecotherapy, for example, involves outdoor activities and has been found to be effective in treating mild to moderate depression. Being outside in natural light can also help those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that affects people during specific seasons.
Climate change anxiety can also impact our mental wellbeing. Connecting with nature and participating in conservation activities can be helpful, as can getting involved in campaigns to protect the environment.
Our website offers a variety of tips and ideas for incorporating nature into your life, regardless of your personal situation. Check out our pages on getting started and ideas to try in nature. You can also visit The Wildlife Trusts, Groundwork, and The Conservation Volunteers websites for more suggestions.