2 minute read
Back to Nature
Go wild for wellbeing this winter
Lin Cummins of North Wales Wildlife Trust describes how connecting with nature at this time of year can boost your physical and mental health.
The benefits of being outdoors have been well reported and,
at this time of year, as the weather gets cooler and the nights start drawing in, it can be tempting to hunker down indoors. But did you know that our relationship with nature – how much we notice, think about and appreciate our natural surroundings – is a critical factor in supporting good mental health and preventing stress?
We’ve all come to appreciate nature so much more over the last couple of years, with many people discovering new places and things to do outdoors. Here at North Wales Wildlife Trust we’re all for donning the woolly hats and gloves, waterproofs and wellies and making the most of the chilliest of days, whatever the weather.
Take a walk on the wild side
This can be a beautiful time to go for a wild walk, with misty mornings and the call of tawny owls at dusk. A blast of cold air first thing can activate the calming part of the nervous
system, and slowing down and focusing on what you can see, hear and smell will really ease your mind from the stresses of the day.
We have amazing places to walk in this part of the world, and with 35 nature reserves managed by North Wales Wildlife Trust there’s bound to be a wildlife haven near you. But you don’t have to go far to nurture your wellbeing – your garden, yard or even your window box can be a fabulous place to experience nature and wildlife. Something as simple as watching the birds in your garden can be a real joy. Gardening is a pastime that keeps us fit and healthy in
both mind and body, and connecting with the pace of the natural world in this way has been described by the Royal Horticultural Society as ‘a perfect antidote to modern living’. n
Caitlin Howell
Get your free Wild Winter Wellbeing pack
To help you make the most of our wonderful natural world this autumn and winter, why not sign up for the North Wales Wildlife Trust’s free Wild Winter Wellbeing pack? They’ve got lots of ideas and inspiration for things that you can do both indoors or out, ways to help you connect with nature and banish the winter blues.
You’ll receive a free guide plus weekly tips on how to stay happy and well this winter.
There’s also a chance to win wild wellbeing related prizes in their prize draw.
