It’s Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK this week.
Mental health is something we all have. Everyone has a different level of physical health, and it’s the same for our mental health, too.
I’ve had a front row seat watching 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’s one thing that always makes me feel better. Being outside, surrounded by nature.
To read more about my battle with anxiety, click here.
And this year, the theme around Mental Health Awareness Week is just that. Nature.
Nature
In 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 for a socially distanced walk or a chat. It’s where we’ve escaped from our bubbles for a bit of ‘alone’ time. And 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.
Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
Avebury, Wiltshire
Ranmore Common, Surrey
Bletchingley, Surrey
Ockham & Wisley Commons, Surrey
I like this: “We all have mental health.” ‘Course some of us have better mental health than other, and some of us… not so much! 😂
The countryside is amazing around where you live!!!
Check out a book by Dr. Matthew Sleeth, Reforesting Faith, about how our faith intersects with trees in the Bible, http://matthewsleethmd.com/books/reforestingfaith/
He’s a fun read!
What a beautiful post and pictures. I completely understand everything you wrote. I’m the same way. Your area is amazing. Your pictures would make a beautiful calendar. 💚
Thank you so much 🙏🏻 I’m so pleased this resonated with you ✨ It really is a beautiful area, especially when you stop to consider just how close it is to London. Maybe I should branch out and create a Mindful Gingernut calendar this year 😀 I hope all is well with you ✨
You’re so welcome! I’d love to visit your home area one day. I have so many places on my bucket list! After I responded to you I thought of taking some quotes and pics and doing the same thing. It would be a great way to give my family my writing. Lets go it! All is well. I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of my sons, daughter-in-law’s and 2 grand babies (and another on the way). They haven’t been home in 2 1/2 years (COVID really messed it up last year). My parents will finally meet their great-grandkids. I hope all is well with you too! Take care. 💚🙏🏻💛
Great Bex and superb photography x
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Thank you 🙏🏻