I was very happy to see that the theme for Mental health awareness week this year is nature! I think this is an excellent theme and as someone who spends a lot of their free time in the great outdoors, I find it particularly relevant. Life, in general, can be full of stress with work, family and everyday life, if you add anxiety and other personal struggles on top of that then life can get very overwhelming. The recent lockdowns have given many people the chance to reconnect with nature and some of those people might not normally have got that chance due to busy lifestyles, so being able to get outside has helped many people cope in isolation at what has been a worrying time.

Personally, I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to get out on a regular basis. I have owned my horse Sabir for the last 11 years, I keep him in a lovely quiet field next to the local riding school which is also next to a nature reserve and I see him daily. I find my time spent out in such peaceful surroundings allows me to either switch off temporarily from anything that is bothering me or it allows me to think clearly and collect my thoughts and assess situations in a different way. It’s therapeutic and gives me time, space and relaxation.

I also love taking my little dog Zeewa with me, she loves going on walks and walking anywhere with her is a real mood lifter, she really enjoys herself and I think this also has an effect on me as she’s such good company and is always excited to go out so even if I’m not really feeling like it she’s more than enough encouragement! The combination of doing something that I love with my horse and dog, who I also love, in such peaceful surroundings is extremely beneficial and without a doubt, I always feel better both physically and mentally.

I would always recommend spending time outdoors if you are able to, even if you don’t have a dog to walk with there are so many lovely places to explore and it’s a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and really reconnect with yourself and nature, it’s a chance to really absorb the sights, sounds and smells and appreciate the world.

Even if you don’t think you have time, it is a good idea to try and make some time for you and your family outside, you will feel and see the benefits.     

By Michelle D’Ambrosio Office Manager at No Panic