At Abundant Borders we are big fans of being together outdoors! But being alone in nature is also a positive activity.
Spending time in a green space has been shown to improve wellbeing. Researchers in Switzerland found that having a view of nature from your home can reduce your perception of street noise. A Canadian study showed that having more trees in a city block improves the way people perceive their own wellbeing. A 2019 study, involving almost 20,000 participants in England, concluded that at least 120 minutes a week of recreational nature contact was associated with good health or well-being.
Visiting green spaces is often a social activity, like picnicking, and socialising has been shown to reduce loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
At Abundant Borders we are big fans of being together outdoors! As well as taking place in a green space, and with other people, community gardening as an activity itself can also improve mental wellbeing.
But being alone in nature is also a positive activity. This is why we encourage everyone to create a SIT SPOT.
This can be in your own garden or in a place you love. Maybe a quiet spot on the beach, a place by the river or a secluded part of the woodland.
Just sit and breathe.
Close your eyes and listen to the birds, the many sounds of nature around you and the sound of your own breath.
Just sit and breathe.
Feel the breeze on your skin, a nip in the air or the warmth from the sun.
Just sit and breathe.
As you return to the same spot through the year, you will be aware of the passing of time. Maybe seeing new birds arrive, seeing flowers appear or noticing the changing tides. Just sit and breathe.
This simple, meditative activity, sitting alone in nature and being aware of the world around you really does have huge benefits to mental wellbeing.
