Nature is such a powerful creature in more ways than one. It can be easy to forget the impact nature has sometimes, as she is just there changing, being, still, calming, energetic or blooming, depending on the season or day.

The power of getting out into nature is so huge, on both our mental and physical health. It could be a walk in the local park or a run in the wild, whatever floats your boat, its all beneficial in the long run.

For me, I have never thought too deeply about going out into nature, as I have always done so and love it so much. I am outdoors over indoors most of the time, even when its raining but if you have never been one to be out in nature a lot, there is still time. It can be daunting at first, like anything new, if you are not used to it or don’t know where to go or what to do. Fortunately, there are many groups popping up to help get people out into nature to access and enjoy it more.

I am always hearing positive stories about how people have become fitter, happier and more connected when they started spending more time in nature. It is the catalyst for so many positive ripples. Being outdoors, not only are you getting to see the changing seasons, the air is hitting your lungs, the body is moving which is what its supposed to do rather than sit for long periods and you’re being more sociable, all of these things put together, reduce stress and give a sense of calm. I mean, whats not to love.

In the world we live in nowadays, one which can be ruled by phones and devices constant notifications, instant gratification, social media comments, comparison and pretty much every other thing being on a computer screen, it is more important than ever to disconnect and reconnect. Being in a situation where there is time without the phone being a focus point is crucial, one not ruled by a message, comment, work deadline is such a lovely one. To take time outside where nothing else matters but movement and noticing your surrounding can be a very important and have great impacts on your body and mind.

I recently watched a programme reporting on a gardening group in London where a lady who had been referred as she was suffering with depression and she said the group had changed her life. She said something along the lines of, ‘the gardening group has changed my outlook, its made me realise that everything has times of hibernation or when things aren’t going so well and can still bloom, everything is in cycles. It doesn’t mean if one day is bad, the next will be’ which I thought was a great way of looking at life. The gardening group made her feel better about her darker days, which were now much less and enabled her to enjoy brighter ones. Not only that but it gave her a sense of purpose, community and belonging plus some blooming beautiful produce too.

Personally I love walking, running, cycling in nature and some of my favourite moments are spotting the wildlife, I’ve even started to notice the different types of birds which exist along our rivers and feel such excitement when I see the colourful birds and hear the beautiful chirping sounds.

How often do you get outside? and truly switch off? What do you notice while you are there?

Mind Charity have put together a list of positive which come from being in nature and a story of someone who has seen the benefits first hand.

Here are a few ideas and encouragment for getting outside

GoJauntly - A free community based app with access to a world of outdoor adventures through brilliant walking routes

Couch to 5km - An app to help you run 5km

Social Prescribing Academy - Working to create partnerships, across the arts, health, sports, leisure, and the natural environment, to promote health and wellbeing.

TCV - Healthier, happier communities for everyone

Stormbreak - Aiming to improve children’s mental health through movement

Natural England - Thriving Nature for people and planet

Flock Together - A birdwatching collective for people of colour

GoodGym - Get fit while doing good

If you can’t get outside, why not bring nature to you with the gorgeous sounds of the water and wildlife

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