Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place from Monday 10 May – Sunday 16 May 2021, and this year’s theme is all about connecting with nature.
Research by the Mental Health Foundation highlighted that 59% of UK adults found relief from the stress of Covid-19 by taking a walk, and 50% said visiting green spaces helped them cope.
With one in four people in Scotland estimated to be affected by mental health problems each year, it’s never been more important to look at ways to improve or prevent the stress in our lives.
Connecting with nature can help improve your physical and mental wellbeing by reducing stress and anger, making you feel relaxed and getting you active. Therefore, we’ve summarised below some top tips to help you connect with nature:
Exercise outside
Getting out and walking in nature is beneficial to your health, as not only can it burn calories, but it can also create a sense of calm and reduce stress and anxiety. Here are some scenic walk suggestions in and around the Forth Valley Area:
- Callendar House
- The Falkirk Wheel
- Falls of Falloch
- Cambus Pools Nature Reserve
- Darn Walk, Bridge of Allan
- Plean Country Park
- Bo’ness Harbour
- Alva Glen
- Garshellach Forest
- Wallace Monument/Abbey Craig
Bring the outdoors in
If you don’t have easy access to green space, try bringing some nature into your home. House plants are a great addition to any home, as not only do they brighten up space, but they also have many health benefits, from reducing stress to making you feel calm. Plants also help us breathe by releasing oxygen and taking in carbon dioxide.
Visit new places
With Covid-19 restrictions starting to ease, it’s a good time to explore new places and check out the beautiful greenery Scotland has to offer. Remember to check the latest Scottish Government guidelines before travelling.
Gardening
Studies show that gardening can improve your wellbeing as it allows you to get creative and releases endorphins. Gardening is also a great way to exercise and hit those calorie-burning goals on your Fitbit or Apple Watch!
Joining an outdoor club
There is nothing better to encourage you to continue with an activity, than by taking part within an encouraging group of like-minded people. Why not have a look online for outdoor activity clubs that are available in your area. Athletics, team sports, walking, cycling and wild-swimming clubs will all be looking to emerge from lockdown stronger and more popular than ever. As well as keeping fit and healthy, these clubs allow you to participate safely and with people who will look out for you and encourage you.
We hope you found these tips useful. Please also remember there’s a range of support available at the College to help with your wellbeing, including:
Student Counselling Service
The College offers a free Counselling Service, which is completely confidential and available to all students throughout term time. Get in touch for availability at counselling@forthvalley.ac.uk
Togetherall
Togetherall is a safe online mental health community accessible 24/7, with trained professionals available at all times. Students can access this service for free by signing up using your College email address here.
To find out more about the support available at the College, click here.
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