Nature is all around us and even short amounts of time connecting to nature can benefit our mental wellbeing. Moments spent appreciating nature can be calming and spark feelings of awe and wonder, which are good for our wellbeing.

Recent research has identified five pathways to connecting with nature. These involve:

• using our senses,
• reflecting on how nature makes us feel,
• noticing nature’s beauty,
• exploring the meaning nature provides, and
• feeling compassion for nature.

Using these pathways can help to boost our mental wellbeing, help us feel more connected to the natural world and inspire us to look after nature.

Let yourself be distracted by nature, notice the sights, the sounds. It doesn’t have to be a long country walk to get the benefits. Taking time to listen to the birds, notice the stars, plant a flowerpot or put up an insect house can all help us feel connected to nature.

Hope for the future

Concern about the climate and nature crises can negatively impact our mental wellbeing. Taking action to help look after our natural world can help to tackle these crises and help us cope with feelings of distress for the natural world.

Doing things like walking or cycling instead of driving, planting wildflowers, reducing waste or joining local initiatives like tree planting or litter-picking are all positive actions we can take.

Taking steps like this can help us find hope for the future and help protect nature.