There are many mental and physical health and well-being benefits to spending time in nature.  The actual benefits of being in a natural environment can calm the mind and body. The Japanese have a name for it - forest bathing or “Shinrin-yoku” and 

“Natural environments – green spaces, lakes or oceans, the mountains, and the forest- tend to have a present-centering effect that brings our attention to the here and now” (Available at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog (Mager, D, MSW. (2016) The Therapeutic Value of Nature. [Accessed: 26.06.2024]  

Best of all, it is an activity which can cost you nothing and also combine with exercise and socialising.  Even if you are not able to experience a woodland walk, there are many ways in which you can experience the calming effect of green spaces.

From experience, I personally found a sense of time and place and my space in the world whenever I’m immersed in nature.  A release from the stresses of everyday life and connecting with the natural world around me – it really puts everything into perspective and opens your mind.

Some activities you could explore are:

• Gardening
• Sports/exercise in nature
• Any kind of reflection or meditation in nature
• Arts and Crafts in the outdoors
• Guided eco-therapy with a trained leader

I hope this inspires you to find some kind of little activity that will have a big effect on your well-being. 

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