Anxiety is something most people will experience in their lives and is in fact a very normal human emotion. Yet sometimes those feelings of intense worry can get out of control and escalate into something bigger.
Anxiety was the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week when the National Park shared some simple tips to help manage anxiety by connecting with nature.
Kate Drake, Health and Well-being Officer pictured, offered pathways to nature connectedness that can help boost your mental health.
Kate said: “Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues and is a natural human response when we feel that we are under threat – almost like our own internal ‘alarm’ system. Yet, on a positive note, anxiety can be made easier to manage and connecting with nature is one of simplest, and, might I add, one of the most enjoyable and rewarding ways, to help tackle the issue.
“I want to offer some simple tips that are no by means a ‘cure’ for anxiety, but incorporating more nature connectedness into your day-to-day routine can certainly do wonders for your mental health, well-being and general mood. Exciting research is going on all the time, but we know that having the sensory experience of being in nature is deeply soothing for the mind and can give it a chance to rest and reset.”
For more tips on connecting with nature for mental health, WWF UK and the Mental Health Foundation have produced a handy downloadable guide. Visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/thriving-nat…
For more details on the National Park’s work, including information for healthcare professionals, visit: www.southdowns.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/