I never really contemplated how much nature has helped my mental health over the years. I always saw going outside as just something I did, not see it as something that would be so beneficial to my mental health and wellbeing. That walk around the block, that jog (I say jog, I use that term pretty loosely, it's more like a fast walk) in the park or a stroll on the beach or through the woods, that feeling of being outside to clear your head is a feeling like no other.
With my mental health, I've tried and practiced so many coping mechanisms, with all our mental health put together, we're all individual and some coping mechanisms work better for some than others. But one thing I think I can safely say is that walk outside and being in natural surroundings really is one of the best coping mechanisms out there.
Sometimes, when I need to clear my head or I don't feel in a good place mentally, I will go for a walk to my favourite place or I will just stroll around the block a few times and the positive impact that has on my mental health is unreal. I feel a difference instantly and more often or not, I manage to solve my problems by being outside, not think about anything else and clear my head. Gaining that bit of clarity is something I am all for doing, to gain that bit of concentration and focus back that I had lost. Being outside in nature helps with that.
Nature just seems to have that calming effect, admiring nature in all its beauty really does bring things back to some sense of reality. It just generally makes me feel better about myself, it allows me to admire the beauty of nature and its worth. It's amazing what a walk outside can do.
Also it doesn't just have to be something as simple as a walk. Ever sat outside and just did some cloud watching? Star gazing? Lie in the grass? Walk through a sunflower field? All these methods of getting out in nature have the most positive impact on mental health, it has done for me. Plus going outside means you're gaining that much-needed Vita D. Two birds and all that.
If you are somebody who doesn't like to be outdoors or if it isn't possible, bring nature into your home instead. Get a beautiful bunch of flowers sent to your home (I don't think you can have an unbeautiful bunch of flowers can you?), buy a houseplant or get into some gardening. These are great methods to bringing nature into your home when you feel you can't go outdoors.
Next time you are struggling with your mental health, try to go for a walk (weather permitting of course) or a bike ride and see how much it benefits your mental health. You will not be disappointed, I promise.
I hope this post has helped you to see how nature has not only helped my mental health, but how it can help yours.
Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Love this so much Lucy. I feel the same way, nature is the best for my mental health x
ReplyDeleteLisa | lisaautumn.com
Thank you Lisa! Nature is the best! x
DeleteI loved reading this post! Going outside and being on my own somewhere in nature is probably the most healing ritual that I have. It really helps me cope with everyday difficulties, and I feel so much better every time I do it. <3
ReplyDeletehttp://www.couture-case.com
I agree lovely, it's so relaxing and healing for the soul to be in the outdoors! x
DeleteI love this post Lucy, thank you for sharing. Nature is so important for many people's mental health, and I think that being close to trees, nature, or somewhere scenic is important for me.
ReplyDeleteThank you Eleanor! You're right, nature is so important for people's mental health, being close to nature and being surrounded by it can help so much!
DeleteWhat a great post! I'm totally with you on this, getting outside really helps me to feel better too. Going for walks really helped me during the first lockdown xx
ReplyDeleteHannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
Thank you Hannah! Getting outside can help so much! I think lockdowns have made me appreciate the outside even more and I won't take it for granted again! xx
DeleteBeautifully written as ever. I completely agree - nature and getting outside often instantly changes my mood for the better. Simply just feeling the fresh air filling my lungs is amazing
ReplyDeleteRosie
Thank you so much Rosie! It does the same for me too lovely, an outdoor walk lifts my mood so much!
DeleteThanks for sharing, it's important to have some time in nature for our health, I have found going for walks sometimes helpful :)
ReplyDeleteNic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes
Walks can always be helpful with our mental health!
DeleteThis is such a great post. Nature has definitely helped my mental health, especially in recent months.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kelly! Nature can be such a soother for mental health x
DeleteI can relate to this so much, getting outdoors helps my anxiety massively! x
ReplyDeleteGemma Louise
I'm so happy that you could relate to this Gemma! x
DeleteI relate - just feeling the fresh air on my face really helps. Sometimes a walk in the rain is nice because when you get home you can get into pjs & fluffy slippers aha x
ReplyDeleteFresh air is just what is needed sometimes isn't it?! Oh I like that idea of walking in the rain! x
DeleteYou know how much I love my garden, it's my goto and my safe space. I'm lucky to have it, and I completely agree with you about the healing power of Nature x
ReplyDeleteOh I know how much you love your gardening Lisa! Nature certainly does have a healing power! x
DeleteI don't think of myself as being an outdoors person (I have a stupid phobia of almost all bugs) but I think I take for granted how much outside time I get. Walking the dog gets me out for about an hour a day and I always feel better after a walk if I'm having a bad day. It really is the little things sometimes! x
ReplyDeleteSophie
www.glowsteady.co.uk
I can see why you're not a fan of the outdoors if you have a phobia of bugs! The little things can make all of the difference! x
DeleteGetting outside really helps to clear my head and think a bit clearer!
ReplyDeleteLove, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
It does for me too Amie, you can't beat that feeling of having a clear head!
DeleteYes to this! I didn't appreciate the outdoors and its benefits until daily walks were all we were allowed to do xx
ReplyDeleteLike you Della, I took the outdoors for granted and the pandemic/lockdowns has made me appreciate more than ever! xx
DeleteGetting outdoors helps a lots to clear my head. Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteLots of Love: Mariann Yip
https://www.mariannyc.com/grand-residences-riviera-cancun-resort/
It helps to clear my head also! x
DeleteI agree with this so much! I always feel so much better after going for a stroll, and I've really been focusing on bringing the outdoors in too with houseplants and keeping a vase of flowers in the living room to brighten my day :) Milli x ~ http://millidavison.co.uk/
ReplyDeleteGoing for a stroll during the day can be the highlight of my day! x
DeleteI completely agree with this! I am not the most outdoorsy person, but going for a walk or being outside in the grass and looking at the sky are such great ways to clear my mind. I love watching out when it rains, I find it very relaxing, amazing pictures x
ReplyDeleteGoing for a walk can make me feel so much better and I absolutely love looking at the sky, even if I'm sat indoors! x
DeleteNature and plants are proven to increase mood and positive mental health effects, it so lovely walking through trees and gardens to cool off and feel better. Plus the fresh air always helps too! This is such a lovely post and those photos are stunning 🤍✨
ReplyDeletewww.twentie.co.nz/
Fresh air is sometimes the best form of medicine Hannah! x
DeleteMy house is full of plants & flowers right now. I'm sure there's actually a science behind it, but it works wonders for me. I also love having a cup of tea on a morning outside in the garden (weather permitting ofc) - It's such a great way to start the day.
ReplyDeleteClaire.X
www.clairemac.co.uk
I do think there is a science behind it too Claire! I love that you have a cuppa in the morning when the weather is good! x
DeleteI find nature does wonders for me, whether it's buying myself some flowers, or going on a long walk in a park, I find nature so serene and it just makes me take a step back and think and enjoy the natural beauty! xx
ReplyDeletewww.iridescentplaces.com
It really can do wonders for wellbeing can't it? Nature can be so serene and relaxing! xx
DeleteLoved this post, Lucy! I agree, nature does wonders for me. I adore kayaking on an early sunny morning in the summer and just listening to my surroundings. Thanks for sharing xx
ReplyDeleteLynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Thank you Lynn! Kayaking sounds fun lovely and I'm glad you enjoy it! xx
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