Spending time in nature is a great tool for boosting our mental health as it offers us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and heal.

When we focus on the rustling of leaves, the birds singing, or the feeling of the sun on our skin, our attention shifts from internal anxieties to the present moment. This form of mindfulness can reduce mental overload and promote a sense of peace and calm.

According to the Mental Health Foundation: “Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile.

Nature connectedness is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health, particularly lower depression and anxiety.”

Spending time outdoors can:

• improve your mood
• reduce mental fatigue
• boost your confidence and self-esteem
• reduce feelings of stress and help you feel more relaxed
• motivate you to be more active
• help you meet and get to know new people
• improve your sleep

Exposure to sunlight also helps increase vitamin D production which supports immune system function, helping to fight off infections. Vitamin D also helps regulate inflammatory responses in the body and helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

Challenge yourself to spend at least 15 minutes outdoors every day

There are many ways you can incorporate spending time outdoors into your daily routine:

• Start your day with a morning walk or run
• Walk or cycle to work instead of driving, even if it’s only for part of your journey
• Suggest a walking meeting with a colleague, or eat your lunch outside
• If you have children, suggest playing catch in the garden, go to a playground or go for a bike ride
• Replace indoor meals with occasional picnics at parks or beaches
• Take your fitness routine outside by running, hiking, or doing yoga in a park instead of at the gym
• Engage in activities like golf, football, or running groups that regularly meet outdoors
• Start or end your day with a few stretches outdoors
• If you have a garden, spend time each day tending to plants or simply enjoying your outdoor space
• Swap your indoor reading time for an outdoor setting
• Look for local farmers markets, festivals, or outdoor concerts to combine entertainment and time outside

When you’re outdoors, try to focus on your surroundings and engage your senses. Have a go at forest bathing, a Japanese practice of relaxation; known in Japan as shinrin yoku. It is a simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply. You could also try taking a camera or sketchpad to capture the beauty of nature through photography, painting, or drawing.

Read how Rich Fenn-Griffin, Assistant Gardens Manager at the University spends quality time in nature.

Make the most of nature on campus

• Holywell Park
• Fruit Routes
• Burleigh Wood
• Garden of Remembrance
• Walled Garden
• International Garden
• Sculpture Trail

Nature spots local to Loughborough

• Queen’s Park
• Beacon Hill
• Bradgate Park
• Stonehurst Farm
• The Outwoods
• Swithland Wood
• Whatton House
• Charnwood Water