Wild Wellbeing

Nature in its broadest forms can help us build good mental and physical wellbeing. We are all, after all, a part of the natural world and spending time in nature makes us feel happier and healthier. This can include time spent outdoors in greenspace, and this can also involve nature-inspired hobbies indoors.

Wellbeing does not mean that we are happy all the time. It means feeling mentally well-equipped and physically resilient to life’s challenges. The natural world can be a key part of supporting you to feel good and be able to cope with difficult circumstances. Different activities and ideas will work best for different people – we are all unique and therefore different things will support our wellbeing. You can find what works to suit you. 

Here is a great video that The Wildlife Trust created with TV Doctor Dr Amir Khan which explains more about the 5 Ways to Wild Wellbeing.

Natural ways to wellbeing with Dr Amir Khan

Below are some more ideas to try to connect with the natural world around you:

Experiencing nature using mindfulness on a short walk from your home can become a regular routine for you and really support your wellbeing. 

Wild at Heart Mindfulness in Nature video 

Throughout our Activity Sessions we use the 5 Ways to Wellbeing to give structure to the session. 

Click the image to see or download the full size poster.

Here is a great video made by Rotherham Council set in Clifton Park which is where we host our Thursday morning Wild at Heart group:

Here is our Wild Wellbeing leaflet we made during the Covid-19 Lockdown as an introduction to Wild Wellbeing:

Click the image to see or download the full leaflet.

More information about Nature and Good Mental Health from Mind – the Mental Health charity. 

How Nature Benefits Mental Health – Mind 

For inspiration for something wild to do everyday of the year, try these ideas for going 365 Days Wild:

365 Days Wild – The Wildlife Trusts