Research shows that spending time outdoors plays an important role in improving our overall mental health and wellbeing.
Tomorrow marks the start of Green Health Week (Saturday 3 May – Sunday 11 May) and it could be the perfect time to embrace spending time in nature.
This year’s theme is ‘Nature is for Everyone’ to promote the idea that everyone should be able to experience the physical, mental and social benefits of nature.
There are many ways you can take part too, including: walking, gardening, cycling, volunteering, outdoor learning and play for children as well as just enjoying being out in green spaces.
Marie McKeown, Partnership Manager – Lanarkshire Green Health Partnership, NHS Lanarkshire said: “Whether you enjoy being outdoors to stay fit, help you relax, meet up with friends or to keep healthy and happy, or if you enjoy connecting with nature from home, there is something for everyone.
“Our work as part of the Green Health Partnership is to develop and highlight Lanarkshire’s greenspace, parks and nature so that residents, including our staff and patients, can enjoy a range of green health opportunities that have a positive effect on their health and wellbeing.
“We’re grateful to all our partners for supporting Green Health Week and offering such varied and fun activities across the week.”
Take a look at some green health activities and ideas across Lanarkshire:
NHS Lanarkshire Green Health web page
Being active doesn’t have to involve going to the gym, playing sport or exercising vigorously for long periods of time. There are various ways to build physical activity into your daily routine. Find out more.
Greenspace activities within Lanarkshire
Find out about the greenspaces and activities that are available Lanarkshire:
Local Green Health events
There are a range of local events taking place across Green Health Week:
- Parkbathe session in Airdrie
- Join Get Walking Lanarkshire for a Parkebathe Session on Tuesday 6 May at 1pm at Brownsburn Nature Reserve. It is a 1 hour slow, silent, guided mindful walk to engage the senses and de-stress. Book your place.
- Walk ‘n’ Talk Cumbernauld
- Join Get Walking Lanarkshire for a Walk ‘n’ Talk on Wednesday 7 May at 11.30am from Tony’s Safe Place in Cumbernauld. No need to book.
- Communi-tree Day
- Join Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub on Thursday 8 May at David Livingstone Birthplace, Blantyre at 11am-3pm, to take part in outdoor activities and learn how trees & woodlands are beneficial to the climate, nature & our health. Find out more.
- Walking for Health
- You can find your nearest health walk, buggy walk or dementia friendly walk by visiting Paths for All’s interactive map to view what is available throughout Lanarkshire. Find out more.
Notice 3 good things in natureÂ
- Paths for All is encouraging people to notice 3 good things in nature to help improve wellbeing. Find out more.
Enjoy nature from indoors
Nature is for everyone. But what if it’s difficult to get outdoors or where you stay is surrounded by buildings not by nature? Below are some ideas of how you can still connect with nature from inside your home:
- Watch the sky from your window
- Your window can also let nature inside – from the sounds of the birds singing to sunlight and a breeze
- Read a book about nature e.g. different birds or keeping a nature journal
- Smells are great for evoking nature indoors e.g. essential oils, herbs, plants etc.
- Tend to a houseplant
Find out more on the Get Outdoors Lanarkshire blog.
