MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2021

From visiting our local parks to tending to plants indoors, spending quality time with nature has been proven to have a positive effect on our mood. It can help to reduce feelings of stress and improve our mental and physical health.

Over the past year, many people used daily walks/exercise or spending time in green spaces as ways to cope during the pandemic. Here are a few words, from our volunteers and friends of Samaritans, describing the power of ‘Nature’:

Jo’s inspirational story, “I began walking as a means of remaining fit but also because I found that it helped me to feel less stressed - I work online now and I found that taking time out to get out and about around where we lived significantly improved my ability to be ‘present’ and therefore be less worried. I started by walking a mile a day and gradually increased this until about November 2020 time where I was walking 7.5 miles a day and occasionally would increase that to 10miles and even 15 miles around the area. I progressed from walking these distances to running them.

I have always wanted to complete a marathon distance, but have previously never thought I had the legs or stamina to do one, even though I have undertaken short distance triathlons before. On Christmas Eve 2020, I ran 26.2miles for the first time ever; around the area where we lived; and the feeling of achievement was huge. I’ve proven to myself that the things I thought were once impossible are indeed possible; if you can overcome your own inner negative self-talk. In addition to that I have started cold water swimming in a swimming costume only, swimming locally but more recently near Northumberland with my twin sister. This experience has truly shown me the power that our mind can have over us as a means of protecting us but which can also prevent us from ’stretching ourselves’. The urge that you get as you enter the cold water to get out, to protect yourself can be overwhelming and even though it is our innate survival mechanism trying to protect us, highlights just how powerful the mind is but also how it can stop us from pushing ourselves to even greater achievements.

My escapades in nature are far from over even though lockdown is over and we are starting to recover from the pandemic and my journey to test myself and my limits is still ongoing. This June I have signed up to complete an Ultra Marathon [35miles] and I am in the process of signing up to complete a ‘skins’ swim in the Lakes”.

Thank you Jo for being so open and honest.

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“Those of us lucky enough to be able to get out and do our 1 hour’s exercise during lockdown were spoilt for choice here in Cumbria. But my own favourite walking route followed the river Eden from the Sands Centre upstream and round the Swifts and Stoneyholme golf course. Away from Sams I’m a bit of a nature nerd so I was thrilled to see the changing seasons reflected in the wildflowers on the riverbanks – starting with colt’s foot, butterbur and wild garlic in the early spring and followed by sweet cicely and giant bellflower as the days grew longer and warmer. In the riverside willows the summer migrant birds were in full voice – blackcap, willow warbler and chiff-chaff prominent among them. Later, as the seed heads on the wildflowers ripened flocks of linnets appeared, harvesting the bounty. And as the summer turned into autumn I gathered some bounty of my own in the form of bumper crops of blackberries that I turned into jams and jellies to remined me that nature has its own rhythms we can all tune into, to help us get through the dark days”. Branch Director

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“My daily walks in the woods have really helped me mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically especially during challenging times in my life, including the pandemic and family worries. I feel my shoulders drop and experience a deep sense of peace and calm as I walk in the woods and I honestly don't know how I would cope without the wonderful, healing, gift of nature”. C.M

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“For myself and my husband, it has been, like for most people an unusual and challenging time. That said we have taken great solace in walking, listening to wildlife and appreciating the beautiful countryside even more than before. We know we are lucky to do this and do not take any of it for granted. It truly is food for the soul and we feel sad for people who are not able to access the countryside easily.

Also as newcomers to our village, a big positive has been getting to know people in the village by doing our regular walks. We have met some lovely, caring and fascinating people, who are now friends. So for this we will be eternally grateful. So although there have been real challenges in lockdown, for us there have been very real positives too. E.F

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“When I am outside, surrounded by nature, I have an immense feeling of peace, calm, and well-being. Whether it is when I am running one of my favourite local trails, or walking along local footpaths, it enables me to forget any problems that I may have, or sort out things in my head that I have on my ‘to do’ list. Without the distractions of everyday life it is easy for me to find solutions and think positively about anything and everything. Thoughts and decisions come freely. Also, without any other distractions, it makes it easy to really appreciate the beauty of what is out there! Recently, with the onset of Spring, it has been an absolute delight to hear Curlews and Lapwings, see carpets of Bluebells, and witness everything coming to life again after Winter. That, in itself, creates a positive feeling, and hope that, maybe, there will be warmer weather coming soon! The problem is though, often by the time I return home, distracted by all that I have seen whilst I have been out, I have forgotten any solutions that I may have formed!” PB

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“The restrictions imposed upon us during the last 14 months have been unprecedented.

Home working permanently throughout and subsequently silently suffering from Anxiety my garden is my safe haven where I can escape, switch off and breath in the fresh air whilst enjoying the peace and quiet.

During these times I've become more aware of the domestic garden birds and their patterns of behaviour. In addition marvelling and observing the progress of the various fruit trees that when harvesting gives me a positive feeling life goes on despite all of the sadness in the world”. ST

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“Nature and walking has really helped me through the last year as it’s given me a break from working from home and a chance to be out and about and chance to recharge. I’ve enjoyed going for lengthy walks and walks that are more challenging to help with my sense of achievement.

I know walking in nature will be something I keep up once we’re out of lockdown as it really helps clear my head and help me to think clearly”. ST

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“I feel so lucky to live in Cumbria, such a beautiful part of the country, where you can encounter all four seasons in one day! I can’t help but appreciate the wonders of nature from watching a Red Squirrel feeding, a Roe deer basking in the sun or listening to Curlews sing. They all brighten up my day and put a bounce in my step.

During lockdown I found walking and cycling around the area I live has not only helped me improve my physical fitness, but it has enhanced my mental wellbeing and helped me in my role as an ‘active listener’.” V.B