Nature and mental health affect everyone on this planet every second of every day. So they’re pretty important, as are the interactions between them. According to a study by the University of Exeter, moving to a green urban area beats winning the lottery for length of positive impact!
Here are three scientifically proven ways to use nature for our wellbeing:
Explore
Students blame deadlines and tests as the biggest causes of mental illness (NUS survey). In order to stay healthy you need to do stuff other than study. Research shows that “blue” space i.e. water can be an even more effective way of reaping nature’s benefits. Frolic along Dawlish beach or pedal boat round the quay.
Socialise
1 in 5 students experience mental health issues and over a quarter blame that on the pressure to “fit in” (NUS survey). Triple whammy: make friends and get the benefits of nature and exercise (endorphin rush!) by getting involved with groups like Out of Doors Society or ESV’s Environmental Project.
Study Break
Walking in nature boosted memory and attention, up to 20% in a Michigan study. So don your trainers and take a stroll round Reed Hall gardens, one of the many parks round Exeter, or to St Michael’s church (5 minute walk from the high street) to catch a glimpse of the fastest animal in the world: the peregrine falcon.
