Recent research by the Mental Health Foundation - a UK charity - has found that 62% of UK adults find relief from the stress of Covid-19 by taking an outdoor walk. Although the figures are specific to the UK, the research certainly shows an overview of other countries as well.
Nearly half of respondents said spending time in green spaces has helped them cope with the increased anxiety associated with the pandemic. Even if the distance of the trip was not distant and involved little walking, going out has had a positive impact on people’s mental well-being.
To better explore the relationship with nature to improve mental health, the Mental Health Foundation is collaborating with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). " Thriving With Nature " is the name of the guide that encourages people to relax in green spaces.
"Partnership with WWF-UK meant a lot to us," said (via Euronews) Dr. Antonis Kousoulis, Director for England and Wales at the Mental Health Foundation. "Because contact with nature is so important to our well-being, we need to keep that in mind when planning public spaces, so that everyone can spend time in a park, garden, lakefront, blue or green space."
Spending time outdoors, through what are known as grounding techniques, helps fight anxiety and stress as more attention is paid to what you see, hear, feel, taste and smell.
Burimet: Mental Health Foundation, Euronews
