Walk through the countryside for good mental health – Guest blog post by Rebekah Horton

Why is nature important for our mental health?

I believe nature is essential for our mental health because we’ll be able to build a strong bond with nature and our minds will become clearer to find solutions to overwhelming problems. Personally, there have been so many moments when all I need is a long walk with a family member or a friend to calm my mind down, listen from another perspective and be able to look at the situation more clearly.

Nature can help us in remembering our memories and other moments when we felt happy and content. For example, during my childhood, I used to go to Killerton for daily walks with my family. I have fond memories of Killerton because it was peaceful and we were able to enjoy watching our dogs playing together. This links in with our senses, for example, I remember playing on the big oak tree and inhaling the fresh air while the leaves fall and rest gracefully onto the rough dirt. These moments can bring us comfort and a sense of safety, I feel that Killerton was able to help me to reconnect not just with nature but also with myself and my family.

While linking nature with mental health, I feel that it shows the symbolic theme of life and death. I find this fascinating because not only does it make me feel at ease with my mental health, but also I can see the creativity and guidance through life. For mental health, we can take small steps in planning out our futures and start to feel happier with our choices in life.

We all understand that the ‘big wide world’ is scary and that’s why we need to remember that there are many communities we can join and support. I’ve noticed that nature has brought many communities together, as well as raising awareness of loneliness and isolation during the pandemic. There are walking groups that are meeting in ideal locations such as Haldon Forest. They’re important for our mental health because walking groups can provide us with a safe place to express our feelings, form good long-term friendships and share a common interest in enjoying nature and being outdoors.

Our appreciation for nature has blossomed, especially since the pandemic, and I have learned to enjoy those precious moments with nature, whether that’s listening to the sound of birds or watching the sea waves. Not only is it beneficial for my mental health, but also for my physical health, being able to feel content and form a stronger connection with nature.