Earth Day

14

Do I …?

Get outdoors into nature

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How can this help? Being in nature makes us feel better. Hundreds of studies have found that being outside in nature, or just viewing it, is good for us physically, socially and mentally. It stimulates a great array of positive effects on our bodies, brains, nervous systems, emotions, feelings, thinking, creativity, health, generosity and our interactions with others. It even helps to build resilience and open us up to new experiences.

Considering your responses Consider whether your responses are telling you that you could either get out into nature more, or absorb it more when outside. It is worth building some time in nature into your daily routine, to help reduce or avoid stress, but also to reap its wider benefits.

1. Do I spend much time outdoors? Yes

No

2. When I am walking or running, do I take notice of the natural world I pass? Yes

No

3. Do I take breaks outdoors daily? Yes

No

4. When outdoors, do I absorb what is beautiful or pleasant around me, such as the colours, the clouds, the feel of the breeze? Yes

No

5. Do I appreciate nature enough? Yes

No

To do. I will … See also

Find the local beauty spots Investigate the parks, ponds and areas with good views of trees and other plants. Find the roads with the best trees to look at. Take a short walk, or a longer one, there during a break or at the weekend.

Stand and stare When outdoors, don’t race through. Take a moment to pause and look. Notice what there is to see. Watch how the scene changes before you when the wind or the light alters.

Spend a few minutes in nature at least once a day Feel it! Hear it! Smell it! Let yourself experience the elements – the sun, wind, snow, even the rain! Notice how it feels on your skin. Take in the various scents. Listen to small sounds that you might not otherwise hear.

Join a group Check out groups organised by your college or the local community for enjoying, or even clearing up, the local environment. It is a great way of contributing, as well as meeting people, building confidence and feeling better.

Ways 15, 21, 24, 29, 32

30 50 Ways to Manage Stress

Get outdoors into nature 31

15

Do I …?

Watch nature on screen

... for less stress, more contentment

1. Do I appreciate what I could gain from watching an amazing nature video? Yes

The Real Happiness study (2017) by BBC Earth and Dacher Keltner from the University of California, Berkeley, reviewed 150 scientific studies and surveyed over 7000 people worldwide.44 It found that watching nature documentaries, even in short clips, has an uplifting effect, improves health and mood, and reduces stress, anxiety and tiredness. It can generate feelings of real happiness, a sense of joy, contentment, awe, amazement, curiosity, and wonder! Still images can also help stress: looking at pictures of nature speeds recovery from acute stress.45

No

2. Do I watch nature videos regularly? Yes

How can this help?

Sit back and enjoy the wonders of the natural world!

No

3. Do I have images of nature in my room or on my device that I can see easily? Yes

No

4. Do I pause and really take in images of nature? Yes

No

Watch Planet Earth The powerful effects mentioned opposite were gathered from viewers watching the BBC’s Planet Earth programme. Build a bank of documentaries you enjoy Dip into your favourites when you need an uplift. Take two minutes

Considering your responses If your responses suggest that you don’t already watch nature documentaries, then these could provide great sources of wonder and well-being, without getting out of your chair! There is a lot of variety to choose from, so it’s worth investigating the different options. To do. I will …