Meet TNM’s biggest muse…
If I was to ever write a letter to Mother Nature, it would likely include the words grateful, incredible, wonderous, beautiful and breathtaking. Why? Because no matter what they day has held, every time I look around, it simply blows my mind.
The days come and go. The seasons change. Things grow and displays of colour ebb and flow.
And, when it comes to positive emotional wellbeing, Mother Nature has the ability to take things to another level. She possesses a healing power like no other. And that is why nature forms such an important part of The Nurture Meadow's foundation.
The benefits of nature
Scientifically, it’s consistently proven that humans can employ the help of nature to;
Reduce anxiety and discharge excess energy
Increase immunity
Reduce blood pressure
Encourage endorphins (the happy hormone)
Encourage adaptability in the brain
Supports natural rhythms such as the circadian rhythm
Build skills such as problem solving, balance, co-ordination and motor skills
Research from Wells and Evans (2003) concluded that highly stressed children who had with access to green surroundings, even on a visual level, were able to better manage their stress. Meanwhile, those living in environments without green vistas or spaces nearby had deeper struggles that lasted for longer periods of time.
In addition to this, they concluded that playing alongside nature;
Increases a child's ability to negotiate risk
Enables all the senses and promotes mindfulness via the birds, colours, textures etc
Improves the ability to concentrate and focus
Reduces the body's response to stress, lowering stress levels.
This research has been supported time and time again now by other evidence, including, a study in November 2019 by The Wildlife Trust and University College London, which revealed that children's wellbeing increased when they were able to connect with nature. 81% of children from 450 Primary schools felt that their interaction with teachers was at a better level after spending time outside and 79% reported that they experienced better relationships with their classmates after time in the great outdoors.
Whilst not everyone lives on the edge of a park or near the ocean, city planners and local authorities have too noted the benefits of nature in recent years. So, whether you live the middle of London, or on the outskirts of Liverpool, you will be able to find pockets of nature that are accessible and free for all.
Incorporating nature into everyday life doesn't need to be time consuming. It could be as simple as picking up a leaf and taking two minutes to feel it's texture. It might be just laying on the grass and looking at the clouds. Or examining a tree trunk. Perhaps it’s getting up early for a sunrise adventure, or smelling a flower.
If you want to immediately and easily support young people’s wellbeing (while also boosting your own), consider where you might be able to fit nature into the daily grind. You’ll soon notice the benefits, while perhaps encouraging a new generation of David Attenboroughs.
