This year the focus of World Health Day is ‘Our Planet, Our Health.’ We wanted to mark this with a few easy suggestions to enjoy nature and look after your wellbeing.

We feel nature and wellbeing go hand in hand. Did you know an early morning walk strangely can have a massively positive affect on sleep. It’s to do with our circadian rhythms, our natural internal process that regulates sleep. If we remember to set the alarm a bit earlier and  go outside and get some sun within the first two hours of waking up it will reset your body clock to feel sleepier at night.

Connecting with nature can hugely support our mental health. The Japanese have promoted the benefits of nature for many years and have called it ‘forest bathing’. By spending time observing natural light and space it makes us feel more grounded. By being out in nature it shows show me the optimism of Spring with new life abundant. Luckily in the Southwest we have an abundance of green spaces, why not try a mindfulness walk? Simply stop for a minute in one area and use your senses; 3 things you can see, 2 things you can hear, and 1 thing you can touch. Remember to look up and down, look close and far away.

Or perhaps you are green fingered and enjoy gardening like Wendy. Did you know that getting your hands dirty in the garden can increase your serotonin levels? Contact with soil and a specific soil bacteria (Mycobacterium vaccae) triggers the release of serotonin in our brain according to research. Serotonin is a happy chemical, a natural anti-depressant and strengthens the immune system. Now is the time for seed planting, even if you only have an indoor space you can still plant herbs and enjoy watching them grow and reap the tasty benefits of having fresh herbs in your meals.

How about combining two great activities, being outdoors and volunteering with other people to plant trees or wildlife meadows? It is good for you and helps the local wildlife. You will notice the positive effects quite quickly with an abundance of brown meadow butterflies thanks to many of these rewilding projects. At Claire’s local park, her street planted daffodils, not only did they enjoy the day but they get to enjoy seeing them come out each year. Look out for local events, which are often family friendly. Lots of organisations support this type of volunteering such as The Rivers Trust who plant trees to support riverbanks and protect our rivers.

Another way at Well Connected that we support our well being is connecting with the Sea. Both Holly and Claire enjoy wild swimming all year round. Immersing yourself in cold water has many benefits including supporting the immune system as well as mental health and is a really sociable activity. There are many groups that will guide you to do this safely. Do get tips on the best places and how to stay safe, such as get all your clothes ready for when you get out, have a hot drink ready, don’t stay in the water too long, let your body get used to it.

Whatever you chose to do remember to take comfort in nature and stay connected!

Claire Harris