At One with Nature - Relaxation Therapy
Over the last few weeks we have looked at some Post Lockdown Research, celebrated the success of Sport & Exercise providers, Health Charities and Mental Health Support networks. Browsed through new programmes, looked at others re-launched and, then returned to some of our old favourites, that have evolved over the Pandemic. Showcased the work of Active Essex & their 48 strong Disability Sports Ambassadors, all in a bid to support those struggling with lockdown restrictions easing!
Now it’s time to change the pace, find some peace, calm and serenity, somewhere safe and away from COVID worries and battles. Let’s create a tranquil sanctuary together.
One lasting effect of COVID was the joy of being outside. In those long days and nights of lockdown our shining light was the ability to have an ‘outdoor experience’ for our exercise in a bid to support our mental health. It’s no secret that many millions have developed an appreciation of our open spaces and perhaps some new found and surprising passions.
So what is it about nature that has the relaxation and calming affect that we are trying to achieve?
MentalFloss report 11 Scientific Reasons Why Nature Is Relaxing. These include normalising sleep patterns, allowing your body to ‘unplug’ enabling our brains to recharge, whilst consuming natural Vitamin D. The importance of which was highlighted through the pandemic as those Extremely Clinically Vulnerable were prescribed Vitamin D tablets by the Government through the NHS and, one of the reasons why we were all encouraged to take up our ‘exercise’ outdoors allowance. Whether you have your own outside space or you need to find one then there is plenty of help at hand!
Walking
The GoJauntly app is a fantastic place to start. A team of 14 who are mainly city dwellers and/or desk bound workers have teamed together to produce a resource overflowing with green routes and nature podcasts. It allows you to take photos and add notes to them as you move and, an online community with whom to share. Of course you don’t need an app to get out there but it could help you plan a route which will be quieter than those you may have on your doorstep!
Bird Watching
Often known affectionately known as ‘Twitchers’ can often be seen out in the country or on coastal paths with their binoculars and large lensed cameras. However, it is something you can do pretty much anywhere and, the benefits can be far reaching as Care UK conclude that;
‘Birdwatching can be a very meditative activity, and often provides those taking part with the opportunity to spend a time in a quiet place without any distractions’. (https://www.careuk.com/company/care-uk-campaigns/bird-watch/7-therapeutic-benefits-of-birdwatching)
They continue to promote 7 Therapeutic benefits which include physical benefits, getting outside, giving time to be calm and, providing a change of scenery. However, you don’t need to leave your home to enjoy this past time. Watching from a window or in your garden can be just as beneficial.
The RSPB Fun & Learning provides some great ideas around Wild Sleep Outs, Amazing Moths and tracks and signs. More than enough to get you going. Theres a great Children’s section with facts, games activity ideas, stories and competitions. There is also an opportunity to download a Welcome Wildlife To Your Garden pack brimming with information. Bird & Wildlife Page which includes a Bird Identifier, advice on all things Birds and other Garden Wildlife Guides. They have an Online Shopping Page providing you more ideas than you can imagine to help you maximise your enjoyment.
Whilst it’s great to get outside or watch from a window you don’t have to leave the house or have a garden to enjoy birds. In a recent study The Natural History Museum found that;
’73% of people reported hearing louder bird song during the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. Many said it comforted and calmed them at a time of crisis - and research shows it really could help improve our mental health’. )https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-listening-to-bird-song-can-transform-our-mental-health.html)
With CD’s and downloads readily available, just find the space, pop on a CD, headphones at the ready and away you go!
Gardening
Writing in Psychology UK Sarah Raynor reports that;
’For many, the peacefulness associated with gardening comes not from its social aspect however, but the opposite. It enables us to escape from other people. ‘Flowers are restful to look at. They have no emotions or conflict,’ said Freud. Tending to plants allows us to tap into the carefree part of ourselves with no deadlines, mortgages, or annoying colleagues to worry about'.(https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/worry-and-panic/201505/petal-power-why-is-gardening-so-good-our-mental-health)
Raynor talks through 10 ways in which Petal Power/Horticulture is so good for Mental Health, helps us to heal, lower anxiety levels and improve our mood.
These Top Tips For Beginners from Gardeners World can help get you started and progress! You’ll find everything from designing a garden, to planting styles, know your garden and looking out for pests!
Bringing The Outside In
Aromatherapy has a long history in supporting medical conditions. It is perhaps best known for Its purpose of sleep through the use of Lavender Oils, sprays, bath soaks and lotions. Whilst purchasing a product and not doing this yourself (unless you grow your own) it’s still a connection. According to Emily Cronkleton;
‘Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it’s called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health. Aromatherapy is thought of as both an art and a science. Recently, aromatherapy has gained more recognition in the fields of science and medicine’.(https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-aromatherapy)
Dementia UK has produced Complementary Approaches which focuses on Aromatherapy for people with dementia. Although small, some studies have reported that the use of Lavender oil/lotion or Lemon Melissa balm increased the amount of time people with dementia were able to sleep for but also had the benefit of reducing excessive movement and agitation. The Aromatherapy booklet can be downloaded here. You’ll find some practical tips and things to be aware of.
Sharing, Smiling, Reflecting
If you have made it out and about, tended to your own garden or simply opened your window and taken in the blue skies and fluffy clouds, then take some of that nature home with you which can help you take further steps on the road to calm and serenity. Take some photos whilst out of things you love, look for different colours and textures. Involve all if your senses. Utilise those photos and sounds you love, the feel of the air around you, the bird song and bottle it up. Keep it with you and use it further to;
Create a picture memory board.
Edit and share your photos with others to inspire them to ‘Be at One with Nature’ & continue to share with each other!
Draw a section of one of your favourite photos.
Use those photos and your memory to help you stay calm when things get tough. Try to visualise your walk and regain those sounds and smells as you close your eyes and breathe when stress kicks in!
Take some before and after pictures in your garden to show what you have achieved!
Summary
One of the great things about this is that pretty much everything that nature has to offer comes with minimal cost, is accessible to all at some level and has various levels of commitment but can be instinctive, unrestricted in terms of time and level of involvement. It has the power to inject something really special into your life on your own terms and conditions. If it rains you have the pictures of your summers walk to reflect on. If it’s cold you have a thick jacket sitting in the back of your wardrobe. If it snows you can get a completely different feel by just looking out of the window! What you choose is up to you. How secluded you choose is also up to you. So on whatever level try and inject just a little bit of the nature, help yourself and help the planet!
All Important links are below!
MentalFloss - 11 Scientific Reasons Why Nature Is So Relaxing
Go Jauntly - Nature Walks
Care UK - Therapeutic Benefits of Bird Watching
RSPB - Fun & Learning
RSPB - Welcome Wildlife To Your Garden
RSPB - Bird & Wildlife Section
RSPB - Shop
Psychology Today - Petal Power
Gardeners World - Top Tips For Beginner Gardeners
Health Line - What Is Aromatherapy?
Dementia UK - Get Support Documents
Dementia UK - Aromatherapy
Natural History Museum - How Bird Song Can Transform Our Mental Health
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