Nature’s therapy – How stepping outside boosts your well-being
This April, I had my first bout of COVID, which left me quarantined in our bedroom for 14 days. The isolation was tough, but what I hadn't considered was the difficulty of being stuck indoors when I was used to being outside every day. When my quarantine was over my first priority (after hugging my husband!) was going somewhere outdoors. So, we drove to the bank of the Humber and sitting on a bench, breathing in the fresh air, I felt weak and tired, yet better than I had in weeks. It was a wake-up call for me about the importance of being outside for my mental health. I couldn't believe how much better I felt with just some fresh air and a view. Photo by Jen Shemmings-Payne Since then, I've been reading up on research on the benefits of nature for mental well-being, and I want to share what I've found. Even a short trip outside can boost your mood and reduce stress. It's not just mental either—there are physical health benefits like reduced blood pressure and im...