As the days get lighter and longer and spring brings more colour and wildlife into our gardens, parks and green spaces it’s a wonderful time to escape outdoors and experience the benefits of nature on our health and wellbeing.
We know that people who spend time in nature are happier and healthier – which explains why nature was the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, (10 to 16 May).
Spending time in the great outdoors is known to be an effective way of supporting our mental health and wellbeing. It’s also a great way to keep active too, going out for a short walk every day, breathing in fresh air and taking in the sights and sounds around us can help to lift our mood and help us to destress after a busy day.
Research by the Mental Health Foundation has shown that being in nature has been one of the most popular ways we have tried to sustain good mental health during periods of lockdown and throughout the pandemic.
Connecting with nature
It’s important to switch on your senses and really connect with nature; you could stop to listen to the birdsong, smell the freshly cut grass or notice any trees, flowers or wildlife or animals nearby. It’s about making time to notice and appreciate the natural world around us.
Knowsley Council’s Green Spaces team has come up with some great ideas to help us stay connected with nature.
The fab guide has a section on stargazing with hints and tips about the best way to view night time skies, as well as a bird watching fact sheet and links to relevant websites.
Also, tips to improve your wellbeing and how to find out more about nature on a trip to your local Knowsley park, the guide has something for everyone!
There’s more about the guide and how to download it here. Bringing the outdoors indoors – Knowsley News
Want more information about Knowsley’s parks and green spaces?
For more information about parks and green spaces in Knowsley visit the council’s website, www.knowsley.gov.uk or email: dns.sustainability@knowsley.gov.uk
Taking part in the Knowsley Sunflower Challenge is another great outdoor activity which anyone can join in with and enjoy. No gardening experience is necessary thanks to the Knowsley Flower Show step-by-step guide to growing a sunflower. And, if you can’t get hold of sunflower seeds, a supply of seeds, kindly dontated by Halewood farmer Olly Harrison – is available for you to use by contacting the council.
Find out more about the Knowsley Sunflower Challenge
The Healthy Knowsley website has lots of top tips and activities which can help you to make positive lifestyle changes to boost your mood, get active and help you feel good about yourself.
