The Beneficial Effects of Nature

One of the worrying side effects of lockdown is people’s mental health and wellbeing. Whilst we are being advised to stay at home to help control the virus, this has its side effects, such as loneliness for those who live alone, and are not able to go to the office or visit friends. For students, starting university can be a challenge and even without a global pandemic, the stresses and worries of life can impact us all. With current restrictions making it difficult to meet and spend time with others, there is strong evidence to support that mental health is increasing at an alarming rate. While we cannot socialise or get out and about so often, there are ways of helping our mental well-being. Spending time outdoors has health benefits that cannot be gained by any ‘conventional’ medicine. Exercise is also great for mental health, so put the two together by exercising outdoors! Some of you may know the feeling of elation you get after physical exertion, known as ‘runners’ high’. Physical exercise is hugely beneficial to brain health, as it increases brain cell production, slows brain ageing and relieves stress. It also improves sleep quality and concentration, and the sense of achievement boosts self-esteem. ‘Runners’ high’ is triggered by the release of neurotransmitters, including endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. Neurotransmitters are chemicals which carry signals between nerve cells or from nerve cells to other cells.

Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. They work by binding to neuron receptors in a similar manner to drugs such as morphine. This reduces feelings of pain and produces a feeling of optimism after finishing exercise. Dopamine is released when your brain is expecting a reward. For example, when you are looking forward to a pint after a long day at work! Aerobic exercise also helps to increase levels of dopamine in the brain. This results in increased happiness, motivation and alertness. Serotonin is a mood regulator. Low levels of serotonin Gavin Atkins, head of in the brain are associated communities at Mind, the mental with depression and anxiety. health charity, said: Antidepressants work by “Research by Mind and others has preventing serotonin re-upconsistently shown getting out into take, resulting in increased nature is not only good for mental levels of it in the brain. health but can also help address Various studies have the social issues that come with demonstrated that spending having a mental health problem. time in natural environIt has been shown in some cases ments can benefit mental to be more effective – and cost health. Along with exercise, less – than medication. Access to exposure to sunlight also nature-based activities improves helps increase levels of mental wellbeing, helps people to mood-boosting neurotransbecome more physically active, mitters. Being outdoors is a can give people the skills and great chance to take some confidence to get back into work time out, and this does not or training and helps those who are necessarily have to involve lonely or socially isolated to connect vigorous exercise. Take some time to stop and be with others.” still outdoors, watching the birds, or walking by the river. Perhaps find something creative to do such as drawing or photography. A further benefit of spending time out of doors is vitamin D, which is created by the body when our skin is exposed to the sun. In the dark winters, its especially important to get as much sun as possible, so make the most of those beautiful crisp winter mornings!