AN elderly lady who had a fall during the first lockdown was then separated from her community, and lost all in-person contact. When asked how she had coped, she said that she took daily comfort from watching the birds sing to each other on the fence, and the flowers emerge after winter.

During long months of the pandemic, many turned to nature. Some research on the mental health impacts of the pandemic showed that going for walks outside was one of the top coping strategies, and 45% of people reported that being in green spaces had been vital for their mental health. Websites which showed footage of wildlife saw hits increase by over 2,000%. Wider studies also found that people not only spent more time in nature, but were noticing it more.

Nature and our mental health

Nature is so central to our psychological and emotional health that it’s almost impossible to realise good mental health for all without a greater connection to the natural world. It is only in the last five generations that many of us have lived and worked in a context that is largely separated from nature.

A 1960s study in the USA found that patients who were treated in hospitals with a view of nature recovered faster.

Evidence demonstrates the powerful benefits of nature for our mental health. Nature has a unique ability to not only bring consolation in times of stress, but also increase our creativity, empathy and sense of wonder. It turns out that it is not just being in nature but how we open ourselves up and interact with nature that counts.

Even small contacts with nature can reduce feelings of social isolation and be effective in protecting our mental health, and preventing distress. Despite this, many of us are not accessing or benefiting from nature. Teenagers in particular appear to be less connected with nature.

Nature is not a luxury. It is a resource that must be available for everyone to enjoy - as basic as having access to clean water or a safe roof over our heads.

Top tips on connecting with nature

There’s a lot of good research to support the role nature can play in protecting and supporting our mental health. For many though, ‘being in nature’ may not be as easy as it sounds.

The good news is that you don’t have to climb a mountain to feel the benefit. There are lots of simple ways to bring nature into your everyday life. Here are some top tips on how you can build your own connection with nature:

1. Find nature wherever you are

Nature is all around us. It might be a garden, a local park, a nearby beach or an open countryside. Even in cities, where nature can be harder to find, there’s community gardens or courtyards to discover and explore. Look out for the unexpected – an urban fox on your way out for the early shift, changes in the weather, or birdsong outside your window. Try to notice nature wherever you are, in whatever way is meaningful for you.

2. Connect with nature using all of your senses

Taking some quiet time to reflect in natural surroundings using all your senses can be a real boost to your mental health. Whether you’re relaxing in the garden or on your way to work, try listening out for birdsong, look for bees and butterflies, or notice the movement of the clouds. All of these good things in nature can help you to find a sense of calm and joy.

3. Get out into nature

If you can, try to spend time visiting natural places; green spaces like parks, gardens or forests, and/or blue spaces like the beach, rivers and wetlands. This can help you reduce your risk of mental health problems, lift your mood, and help you feel better about things. If it feels daunting to get outside, try going with a friend or relative, or picking somewhere familiar.

4. Bring nature to you

Sometimes it’s hard to access natural places because of where you live, how busy you are, how safe you feel, or your health. Why not try bringing nature into your home? Having plants in the house is a great way to have something natural to see, touch and smell. Even something small like pots of herbs from the supermarket are a good start.

If you have a garden, allotment or balcony, think about how you can make the most of it. Grow flowers, plants or vegetables, get a bird feeder, and take in the sights and sounds around you.

If planting isn’t your thing, you can also connect to nature through stories, art and sound recordings. Watching films or television programmes about nature are also great ways to connect with and reflect on nature.

5. Exercise in nature

If you’re physically able to exercise, try to do it outside, whether it’s a run, cycle or just a short walk. Walking or running outdoors in nature may help to prevent or reduce feelings of anger, tiredness and sadness. Try leaving the headphones at home – unless you’re listening to nature sounds of course! Or why not try new routes that bring you closer to green spaces or water?

6. Combine nature with creativity

Try combining creativity with your natural environment. This could involve taking part in creative activities outside, like dance, music or art. All of these things can help reduce stress and improve your mood.

You could also increase your sense of connection by taking photographs, writing, drawing or painting pictures of the landscape, plants or animals. Noticing the beauty of nature and expressing this creatively can help you find meaning, and an emotional connection to nature that will stay with you for a lifetime.

7. Protect nature

Taking care of something can be a really great way to feel good. And what better thing to take care of than nature itself? Nature is truly amazing. Do what you can to look after nature in your actions and choices.

This can be as simple as recycling, walking instead of driving, or even joining local conservation or clean-up groups. Taking care of nature can help you feel that you’re doing your part, and that can make you feel more positive all round.