Over the last year, we have all been confined to our homes, with many of us struggling to cope with everything. During Mental Health Awareness Week and we take the opportunity to raise awareness about mental health and talk about our wellbeing.
We all have different experiences of nature, and different reasons for wanting to connect with it more. Evidence shows that going for walks outside was one of the top coping strategies throughout the pandemic and 45% of people reported that being in green spaces has been vital for their mental health.
Simple tips to connect with nature
Many of us may face barriers that might make it difficult or uncomfortable to connect with nature; try these simple tips from our partners at Togetherall to help you connect with your natural environment.
Start small
Try spending just five minutes a day for the next week paying attention to nature in your everyday life. Just taking a moment to notice and celebrate nature can help you to be more present in your daily life - and you might be surprised by what you notice!
Do things you find relaxing
You might like to go for a walk, read or paint in natural surroundings. Remember, that being outdoors doesn’t always have to be exercising, sometimes just being there is enough.
Bring nature indoors
If finding vast outside space isn’t geographically possible, or maybe it feels overwhelming at the moment, you could explore ways of bringing nature indoors. Care for a house plant, buy some flowers, or even taking photos of your favourite places in nature to use as backgrounds on your phone or computer can help bring nature inside.
Ask for support
If you feel anxious in new places or social situations, you could ask someone you trust to go with you at first or you could even connect with others & share how you’re feeling on Togetherall. This is a safe, anonymous online community where you can get 24-hour online mental health support, or you can support others.
You can access this free online support by signing up with your university email address. Join Togetherall here.
Further resources and support
The Student Wellbeing Service is open and running a remote, online support service during Term 2. The teams are available Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm. You can contact them if you have any questions or concerns or would like to book an online or phone appointment.
Email wellbeing@gre.ac.uk or call 0208 331 7875.
You can find a list of student support services and resources in our Wellbeing Update. You can also continue to make use of the wellbeing resources in our Wellbeing Hub and on the University Mental Health Day web page.
Please remember the university is here to help and support you.
