As many of you may be aware, it’s been Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK this week.

We all have mental health, and we’re all impacted by it in different ways.

I’ve had a very personal view of family and friends who’ve suffered from poor mental health since my teens. My own mental health has also taken a battering over the years.

Whether I’ve been playing a supportive role or dealing with my own problems, there is one thing that has always helped me to feel better, and that is being outside, surrounded by nature.

And this year, the theme around Mental Health Awareness Week is just that. Nature.

The last year, more than ever, many of us have relied heavily on nature and the great outdoors, not just for exercise but to help provide a degree of sanity too.

It’s one of the few places where we’ve been able to meet up with a friend for a walk or a socially distanced chat on a park bench. It’s where we’ve escaped from our bubbles for a bit of ‘alone’ time. It’s where we’ve marvelled at how much greener everything seems when there is less air pollution.

I’ve long been an outdoors girl, and it’s still where I’m at my happiest. I craved the countryside so much during the first lockdown I even moved to suburbia in time for lockdowns two and three, so I could be closer to green, open spaces.

Even as I write this week’s post, I’m sitting in my lounge listening to the birds singing outside. It’s a far cry from the noisy, bustling streets of the inner city.

This week, I want to leave you with some of my favourite photo’s, which I’ve taken over the last few weeks in the great outdoors, all within an hour and a half’s drive from our capital city.

There’s something about being in nature that just helps to put things in perspective, even if you’re having a really lousy day.

Next time you’re feeling like you need some headspace, step outside, head to your local park, woodland, beach or even your back garden, and just breathe. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of nature, and I can guarantee that although nature’s not a magic cure, it will make you feel a lot better about things.

I’ll be back next week with some more of my weekly musings.

Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire

Avebury, Wiltshire

Ranmore Common, Surrey

Bletchingley, Surrey

Ockham & Wisley Commons, Surrey