Mental Health: How getting outside can help you on the inside

The importance of mental health is something which has really been highlighted in recent years; this is wonderful news, and we like to encourage positive mental health wherever we can. Many studies have found that spending time outside can have a profound impact on your mental health.

The Pandemic

Although it might feel like a long time ago now, the Covid 19 lockdowns were a prime example of people getting outside, and reaping the benefits of the outdoors. We found ourselves in a difficult situation, and many people found themselves feeling trapped and isolated. To combat this, there was a huge surge in people getting outside and enjoying the many benefits of outdoor areas and green spaces.

Effects of the Sun

Sunlight has both physical and mental benefits, and it's one of the main reasons that many people feel happier in Spring and Summer. The main way in which sunlight benefits you is via Vitamin D. The physical benefits include stronger bones and muscles, reduced inflammation, and lowering blood pressure.

The mental benefits include promoting relaxation, making you feel more alert, and improving your mood. Sunlight and Vitamin D are also extremely helpful for battling SAD. If you're not familiar, SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder, and is linked to depression in the colder and darker months. Sunlight triggers your brain to produce more serotonin, which is linked to mood boosting, and emotions of well-being.

As lovely as the sun is, it's also important to look after yourself, and your skin. If you are going out in the sun for prolonged periods of time, it's incredibly important to cover your skin or use sun lotion.

Effects of physical activity

According to the NHS, research shows that physical activity can boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress. The NHS also say that people who partake in regular physical activity are at a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, bowel cancer, dementia and more.

The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that adults should try and be active in some way every day, and that adults should aim to do at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.

Social Benefits

If you are feeling socially isolated, getting outside can really help with this. Even if you're going out on your own, by physically being around people in nature you are likely to feel less lonely. You could even interact with people you see on your walks – a simple few hellos can do wonders.

Secondly, you could look into joining group activities such as walking groups, exercise groups, yoga groups or gardening groups. Social meet-ups like these are a great way to meet new people and help with social isolation, whilst also getting to enjoy the wonderful outdoors.

Outdoor Activities

We've come up with some ideas as to how you can enjoy the outdoors, both during the day and on an evening.

Day

• Walking
• Geocaching
• Gardening
• Foraging
• Enjoy breakfast or lunch outside
• Cycling or Running
• Take a trip to the beach
• Visit a nearby landmark
• Find a local walking route
• Take a litter picking walk
• Birdwatching

Evening

• Go for a walk
• Stargazing
• Enjoy a meal outside
• Get cosy round a fire
• Bring the feeling of nature indoors with indoor flowers and plants