The Benefits of Nature on Mental Health

When life feels too much, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to turn. Yet one of the most overlooked sources of comfort is waiting just outside our doors: nature. From the rustle of leaves to the steady rhythm of walking under an open sky, the natural world has a unique way of supporting our wellbeing.

Over the past decade, researchers have confirmed what many of us instinctively knew; spending time outdoors can strongly impact our mental health. But more than just “being outside,” it’s about connecting with the world around us. This connection, often called nature connectedness, can calm our minds, lift our mood and even bring us closer together.

Why Nature Matters for Mental Health

Time in nature has been shown to ease symptoms of stress, anxiety and low mood. It encourages gentle physical activity, lowers blood pressure and even helps us think more clearly.

But its benefits go deeper than physical health.

When we allow ourselves to notice the details – birdsong, the pattern of clouds through the trees, the colours of wildflowers – we step out of our racing thoughts and back into the present moment. It is this simple shift that can bring relief from worry and a renewed sense of balance.

Spending time outdoors for mental health isn’t about covering miles with determination. It’s about slowing down, taking a breath giving yourself permission to just “be.”

Simple Ways to Connect with the Outdoors

Nature connectedness doesn’t have to mean hiking up mountains or heading to remote landscapes. It’s about recognising everyday moments in the area’s that we live.

• Listen closely

  Pause on a park bench and notice the birds.

  
  

• Engage your senses

  Run your hand along the bark of a tree, feel the breeze on your face or notice the warmth of a cuppa as you sip it outdoors.

  
  

• Interact with your surroundings

  Kick through autumn leaves, feed the ducks (peas are better than bread!) or watch butterflies pass by on a sunny day.

  
  

• Walk gently

  Stroll without rushing, letting the natural rhythm of your steps calm your thoughts.

Even 20 minutes a day of mindful time in green spaces can help recharge your emotional batteries. And if you can manage 40 minutes, even better.

The Joy of Sharing Nature Together

Nature is a wonderful companion in itself, but it can be even more meaningful when shared. Walking with a friend or family member opens space for conversation, or simply for quiet companionship. Watching clouds together, sharing a ‘hello’ with a passer-by or enjoying a warm drink outdoors can gently remind us that we’re not alone.

Solutions to life’s worries sometimes come not by thinking harder, but by allowing our minds to rest elsewhere. Nature offers just that opportunity.

Finding Connection in Community

You don’t have to take this journey alone. Many people find it easier to connect with nature when they do so in a group. It brings together the combined comforts of community and the outdoors.

Here at The Butterfly Hospice Trust, our therapy services include a Walk and Talk group, a simple way to enjoy fresh air, gentle exercise and offers a space for supportive conversation. It’s a reminder that healing can be found in small steps alongside the steady presence of nature.

Nature will always be there – the trees, the birds, the quiet sky – ready to welcome you when life feels overwhelming. Whether you choose to pause alone or join a friendly group walk, these moments of connection can make a real difference to your wellbeing.

We believe that care extends beyond our walls and into the spaces that sustain us all. By embracing the simple joy of being outdoors, we can nurture not only our own health but also a deeper sense of community and hope.