It has been proven that spending time outdoors and engaging with nature can help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. This Stress Awareness Month, (1st – 30th April) we are encouraging you to ‘Step outside and unwind your mind’.
As we head into Spring there are plenty of ways you can incorporate nature and green space into your everyday life which can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing.
We’ve shared a variety of ideas that you can try below, plus ways you can get involved locally…
Engaging with Nature at Home
There are lots of different ways to engage with nature at home, even if you don’t have access to a garden or outdoor space.
- Create a growing space. If you don't have access to a garden, you could plant salad leaves or herbs in a window box or plant pot.
- Plant vegetables in your garden - click here to view some great growing guides by British Garden Centres.
- Grow food together with others. Apply to share an allotment, or look for community gardens or food growing projects in your local area.
- Go fruit picking. Look for local farms or orchards that let you pick fruit to buy. You might also find fruit growing in urban spaces, for example, wild blackberries.
- If you have access to outdoor space, why not create your own bird feeder using a plastic bottle.
Where to get involved:
Take a look below at some of the gardening and allotment groups we are currently running.
Gardening 4 Health
Gardening 4 health is supported by trained staff and volunteers. Attendees can take part in activities and workshops such as planting , cultivating a range of fruit and veg and flowers to woodwork.
Time: 9.30am-12.30pm
Dates: Thursdays
Place: King's Lynn Allotment, Allotment Way, Kings Lynn, PE30 2FG
Room to Grow Gardening Group
Drop in 18+ Gardening group for anyone aged 18+ come and enjoy our outside space on a weekly basis. We plant with the seasons and its an all weather group!
Time: 2-4pm
Dates: Thursdays
Address: REST Norwich, Churchman House, 71 Bethel Street, Norwich, NR2 1NR
Walking for your Wellbeing
Getting outside and going for a walk can be a great way of relieving stress. Not only does it allow you time to think and give you the opportunity to step away from stressors but having the opportunity to move your body and breathe in the fresh air can also benefit your overall wellbeing. Whether you prefer a 15 minute casual stroll around your local area or are keen to explore longer routes and trails, walking can be beneficial to everyone. Always try to remember your own needs and abilities and most importantly – have fun!
Some tips to try:
- Try to think about how your body is working to move you along from head to toe – you could even use this time to practice some simple breathing exercises.
- If you are dealing with a stressful environment, getting up and stepping out for a 15 minute walk can help to put a distance between yourself and the stressor and allow you to take a break.
- Why not choose a friend or family member to join you as a walking companion or even join a local walking group? Not only can this help if you are nervous about walking alone but it can also help you to develop a community and support system.
- Whilst out walking try to take a break from thinking about things that are causing you stress or worry. Observe the environment around you; enjoy the trees, flowers, birds, gardens or sky. Why not download and print out our Walking Journal Page and fill in the wildlife and nature that you managed to spot on your walk. Click to download journal page.
Quick tip: if you're going out on your own for longer than you usually would, or walking somewhere you don't know well, plan ahead and remember to keep your safety in mind. It can be helpful to take your phone with you in case you get lost or need to check your route.
Where to get involved:
Take a look below at some of the walking groups we are currently running.
Walking and Talking in Great Yarmouth
Get some fresh air and join in on walks around Great Yarmouth. Chat to new people or discuss mental health concerns with social prescribers or recovery workers.
Age requirement of 18+
Time: 1pm - 2.30pm
Dates: Starts Thursday 11th April and then every Thursday thereafter.
Place: The Marina Centre, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth NR30 2ER
Email rest.greatyarmouth@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk for more information.Walking and Talking in Gorleston
Get some fresh air and join in on heritage walks around Gorleston. Chat to new people or discuss mental health concerns with social prescribers or recovery workers.
Age requirement of 18+
Time: 11am – 12:30pm
Dates: Tuesdays
Place: Meet at the Beaches Medical Centre, Sussex Road, NR31 6QB
Email rest.greatyarmouth@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk for more information.Wellbeing Socials
Wellbeing Norfolk and Waveney run a wide range of monthly social groups and activities, including many wellbeing walking groups.
Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing, also known as ‘shinrin-yoku’ is a Japanese practice of relaxation. It is a simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply which can help you to de-stress and boost your health and wellbeing in a natural way.
What does Forest Bathing involve?
Forest Bathing primarily involves taking the time to focus on the natural world around you:
- Firstly, switch off any distractions such as your phone or other technology.
- Breath deeply and slowly, helping your body to relax.
- Keep your eyes open. Use all of your senses – what can you see, smell, hear, taste and touch?
- Remember to move slowly as you absorb your surroundings.
If you’d like to give Forest Bathing a try, Nature Connect run regular sessions in Norwich. Check out the service page here to see full session listings or email natureconnect@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk for more information or to register your interest.
Capturing the beauty of nature through art
There are many ways that you can enjoy the beauty of nature through incorporating art or creative practices. Take a look at some of these ideas below:
- Take photos of your favourite places in nature - this could include the plants and wildlife that you see, the sky or the landscape. Take a look at our tips for getting started below.
- Get creative through drawing or painting your favourite nature scenes, plants or wildlife.
- If you live near the coast why not try beachcombing - Visit the seaside and search the shoreline for interesting things such as shells and stones, could you turn these into art, or possibly decorate the stones with paint.
- If you are interested in a particular craft such as crochet, knitting, air-dry clay or diamond art, why not spend some time creating outside, either in a garden or park. You could also take inspiration from your surroundings, such as the colours of nearby flowers.
- Join a local communtiy group such as photography or arts and crafts. This can help to build a sense of community and help you to create a support system.
Tips for getting started with photography:
- Keep your lens clean by wiping it.
- Use the right camera mode for the job, different modes produce different results.
- Use a grid to keep your picture straight.
- Move your feet instead of relying on the in-built zoom function.
- Use the focus box and exposure slider.
- Most importantly, have fun and let your creativity flow – don’t be afraid to try something new!
REST Great Yarmouth Photography Group
Nature connection through photography
By Rachel Wright
Photography can be a great way to connect with nature in our everyday environments. These days most of us have a smartphone in our pocket at all times, which has made photography more accessible than ever. Here are some of my top tips for using your camera to notice and appreciate nature - wherever you are!
1. Pick a focus
The idea of nature photography can feel a little bit daunting - but you don’t have to be surrounded by amazing scenery to get started! One thing I find really helps is choosing a colour or texture to focus on. Pick one you like, or do a lucky dip, and see how much of that colour or texture you notice next time you’re out for a walk.
2. Look up and look down
It’s amazing how much is going on above us and under our feet, that we often don’t notice when we are rushing about our daily lives. Take a moment to pause, look up or look down, and photograph the little moments of nature that you notice.
3. Get close up
It can be really fascinating to get close up to tiny things you wouldn’t normally notice. Mosses, lichens, leaves and grass, weeds growing through cracks in the pavement… all these things can look amazing when we really pay attention. If you have a macro setting on your camera you could try this out, or just try getting as close as you can to these small things with your camera. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you find!
Website: www.rachelwrightphotography.com
Instagram: @rachelwrightstudio
Where to get involved:
Take a look below at some of the art and photography groups we are currently running.
Arts and Crafts Group
Come and join us every Wednesday for an afternoon of mindful art! Art ranges from colouring, painting and diamond art. No need to book as there is always space for all. Art available for all skill levels.
Time: 2-4pm
Dates: Every Wednesday
Address: REST Aylsham Hub, 1 Red Lion St, Aylsham, Norwich NR11 6LW
For more information, email aylshamrest@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk
Photography Group
Venture out into the local area to take photos with a different theme each week such as; nature, shapes or architecture. Bring your own phone/camera or cameras are provided. Head back to the Hub to review the images and print/display them.
Age requirement of 18+
Time: 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Dates: Mondays
Place: Meeting at REST Great Yarmouth, 28-31 Dene Side, NR30 3AX
Email rest.greatyarmouth@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk for more informationArts and Crafts
Pop along for a quiet place to get creative. Diamond art, painting, colouring, stencils, crafts, the choice is yours.
Supplies are provided or bring your own hobby!
Age requirement of 18+
Time: 10am - 12pm
Dates: Thursdays
Place: REST Great Yarmouth, 28-31 Dene Side, NR30 3AX
Email rest.greatyarmouth@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk for more informationArt Group
Volunteer led art group, supporting those that attend to meet and mix with others while doing their own arts or crafts. Some colouring equipment and jigsaws available but please feel free to bring your own projects with you.
Time: 10-11.30am
Dates: Wednesdays
Place: REST King's Lynn, 56 High St, King’s Lynn, PE30 1AY
Sunday Crafternoon
Space for all things crafty. You can bring your own project or start something new with us. Drop in between 2pm and 4pm every week for a gentle end to your weekend.
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Dates: Sundays
Address: REST Norwich, Churchman House, 71 Bethel Street, Norwich, NR2 1NR
Wellbeing Socials
Wellbeing Norfolk and Waveney run a wide range of monthly social groups and activities, including many arts and crafts groups.
Useful links