The pandemic had a significant impact on the British population’s mental health. In 2020, we stayed at home for long periods and spent less time in nature than many would have preferred. The benefits of nature for our health and wellbeing are widely known, and in 2021 we should make more time for the great outdoors.
Lockdown had a devastating impact on many people. In fact, the mental health charity, Mind said more than half of adults in the UK found their mental health worsened during the pandemic. The lockdown restrictions were a significant contributor to the nation’s declining mental health. In the pandemic, two-thirds of adults were impacted by loneliness and boredom. However, one-third of adults did not access support in lockdown because they felt they did not deserve it. Many adults struggling with their mental health also said they did not feel comfortable accessing support over video and phone calls.
In 2021, many of us intend to spend more time outdoors so we can reap the benefits of nature. Our surrounding environment can impact our blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and immune system. A natural environment can soothe anxious thoughts and distract us from pain and discomfort. 95% of adults in the Mind study found their mood improved when they spent time outdoors. They became calmer and more balanced when outside and away from technology.
Time in nature can increase our attention span and help us to focus on the present moment. Natural scenes can give our minds a little break and help us feel more connected to the world around us.
‘Nature deprivation’ is associated with depressive symptoms. When we spend too much time indoors, watching TV, or working on laptops, our minds can become overworked and exhausted. Take a walk in the fresh air every day to give yourself a break.
So, where should you go to the UK to spend more time outdoors?
Take a train to East Sussex and see the Seven Sisters. Explore the chalk cliffs, soak in the fresh air, and experience one of England’s great sites.
Or head to Devon and visit the famous Jurassic Coast. The Jurassic Coast is the only Natural World Heritage Site in England and dates back to the Triassic and Jurassic periods.
If you fancy a more mountainous trip, head to Snowdonia in Wales. You can hike up the mountain in three to four hours and catch the train back down. Enjoy the breath-taking views from the top, and make sure to take a few pictures while you’re up there.
Have you booked a staycation in nature for this year?ย
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Agree totally. Nothing like being out in the open, enjoying all the different changes in the parks and countryside. This morning I noticed for the first time, lots of little white daisies, the ones children make Daisy chains with. This time of year is wonderful watching everything coming alive after the winter and start growing.
There is so much to enjoy in the UK countryside. We love the S. Wales valleys and coastline.
Gorgeous idea. Love the countryside.
Staycation booked. Fingers crossed that we’ll be ok to go.
The comments above regarding the benefits of the outdoors and people suffering during lockdown are so true. I have not booked a staycation as yet but plan to visit relatives in the country once it is safe to do so.
Wow great photos!
I always opt for the sea side because I get hayfever in the country side
My nickname is Trees, no prize for guessing how much I love the great outdoors :0)
We adore the out doors we go for long walks in the woods and take a picnic in winter we take hot chocolate in flasks my daughter always finds a stream and a swing above it you can also guarantee she will fall in haha
Great idea. Kids would love this!
I think a staycation is a wonderful idea – especially under current circumstances – as I don’t think we always appreciate what great scenery we have in the UK. Yorkshire & Peak District are great for long, scenic walks.
We haven’t been abroad since having children as working in education has meant holiday prices are extortionate due to only being able to go away in the school holidays. We were meant to go to the Gower last year for our holiday but it was obviously cancelled and we’ve not booked for this year as the prices are even higher now due to everyone else now doing the same thing! Fingers crossed for next year!
Its a lovely thing to do, to relax and recuperate
Totally agree I struggling with no camping this last year I canโt wait to get back to nature after this lockdown
With the way things are I wonโt be going abroad abroad this year- hoping to get by the sea
I enjoy holidaying in this country but why is everywhere so expensive. I have booked for a week self catering in Wales this year and it costs as much as two weeks all inclusive abroad – then we wonder why everyone is going abroad!
nothing better than holidaying in this country. I can’t wait for the summer and lockdown is over
Living next to the sea Iโm actually craving a staycation in the city! #KCACOLS
This past year more than ever has taught has to slow down and enjoy nature. #KCACOLS
We are in the states, but plan to travel the world when our littles are a bit older. Knowing we would struggle through our cold winter, we were intentional in the fall about getting out. We made it to almost all the great lakes (MI). As well as some other fun scenes. Nature vacations are what we have always done as a family. It is what we can afford and what we love. I will remember some of these locales for when we get to go abroad! #KCACOLS
Very interesting statistics, it doesn’t surprise me that a lot of people haven’t reached out for help, it’s easy to feel like your bothering services at the minute because everyone has so much to deal with. I certainly feel that there’s a benefit to getting outdoors, a walk in the local woodland always clears my head and we’ve booked a lodge only an hour away from us in May just so we can experience a change of scenery- it’s been a long year!
Katrina x
#KCACOLS
We haven’t booked anything for this year as yet. Waiting for our vaccines and to see what travel rules are in place and then we will decide. In desperate need of a break though … whatever it might be! #KCACOLS
Over the past few years we have really gotten into camping and hiking. Now there is no place I’d rather be than running around the woods #KCACOLS
We’ve got a staycation booked to visit Wales to explore the gorgeous National Parks around Snowdonia. #KCACOLS
Ooh this has really made me want to get away somewhere this year! I so miss travelling ๐ #KCACOLS
We’re definitely doing staycations (actually we never really stay anywhere away from home, but if we did go away it would be to somewhere in the UK for sure), and we do love spending time in nature.
The Seven Sisters are a lovely part of the coast, but you’ll find it in East Sussex rather than West Sussex as it says here (not sure that photo is of the Seven Sisters either? Could be from a part of it I haven’t yet been to though) ๐
I’d love to visit Devon and Cornwall some time, as well as Wales and Scotland (I’ve not yet been to any of them!) x #KCACOLS
Oh no thank you for the input. You are right. I made a mistake here. I have amended it now x
I really need one of these right now! I am pretty fortunate where I live to be surrounded by a lovely beach and some great nature trails but you canโt beat a stay away with nature.
#KCACOLS