The Healing Power of Nature
All images by Jessica and Lewis Townsend
The birds are singing, the trees whisper in the breeze, and the clouds move slowly across the sky. A peaceful vision that calms my mind more than anything else right now. Why is that?
There has been a surge of “prescribed” nature the last few years- the idea that being outdoors can cure your ailments, both mental and physical. Standing in this moment of calm after a day filled with anxiety, I can see why.
I suppose the physical benefits are relatively clear - exercise has long been used to improve various aches and pains - but how does it apply mentally?
It is strange to feel the benefits of something without understanding how or why. My husband suffers from depression and finds a long walk does more to help his state of mind than most other things he has tried.
“Walking is generally good for my mind and anxiety as it helps me rationalise things and go over worries in my mind whilst being half-focused on the walk. I never become too focused or panicked about single thoughts.”
I suppose in this sense it is the mild and pleasant distraction of the outdoors that helps. Though it is true we can be mildly and pleasantly distracted by other things, it never has quite the same affect. Books, television and even socialising to some extent are more complete forms of escapism from our own thoughts and concerns. This perhaps only provides respite rather than helping to a cure.
Of course, anxiety and depression are far more complex conditions than that which could be cured with a brisk walk, but the first step - metaphorically and physically - can be the start of a change that, if we can commit to it, has a much bigger and far reaching impact on our mental well-being.
So, in these worrying times when we have all become more anxious versions of ourselves: feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your skin, take a deep breath, and take that first step.
