Walking Fix

With an extensive background in arts and wellbeing, Rachel is also a qualified mindfulness instructor working nationally and regionally. Her work sees her regularly guiding groups outdoors across Yorkshire and beyond, as well as capturing and uploading authentic content for her Nature Fix online members. Nature Fix and Other Ways to Walk sessions, I guide people to notice and appreciate nature. But beyond that, to cultivate curiosity and interest. 

For Those Looking to Boost Mood by Accessing Nature, Here Are a Few of Rachel’s Hints/Tips:

Don’t wait for a ‘perfect’ moment. It’s more important to find the magic in the mundane. The wellbeing benefits to nature are much simpler to find daily than we might think. They can be noticing the changing colours of the sky or the sounds of rustling trees. 

There’s evidence that shows that intentionally accessing nature in a quality way improves wellbeing. It’s not about the amount of time. You may want to walk, sit, look out of your window or immerse yourself in an outdoor space. Whichever way you prefer to access nature and whatever time you have (even if just a few minutes), make a note of three things you notice each day. This can be whatever feels good to you. Soak in and experience the fullness of nature: sights, smells, temperatures, sounds. 

Remember that nobody has to be an expert in the great outdoors, this is about a sensory experience which fulfils a connected emotional feeling with the earth and nature.

Through Nature Fix and Other Ways to Walk sessions, I guide people to notice and appreciate nature. But beyond that, to cultivate curiosity and interest.

How and Why Accessing Nature Helps to Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing

Unfortunately depression, anxiety and stress disorders are common. In England, one in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year. The phrase ‘mental health’ covers a broad spectrum of different experiences from the mild to the severely distressing, with depression and anxiety the most common. There is an overwhelming amount of evidence highlighting the benefits of accessing nature regularly. 

Doing so is proven to lower stress, boost the immune system and increase a sense of purpose in an ever-hectic world. One interesting study found that even short exposure to a forest environment, for example, leads to less activity in the brain’s fear centre. 

Norwegian neuroscientist and researcher Simone Grassini reviewed all the nature/ wellbeing studies from around the world during the last ten years. He then shortlisted all the studies that had a control group. The results were conclusive; walking in woodland and connecting with nature helps with anxiety and depression. 

‘Don’t wait for a ‘perfect’ moment. It’s more important to find the magic in the mundane.’

Turning to my own membership, 90% of Nature Fix referrals wanted to improve their mental health when they signed up. On average they scored their life satisfaction at 3.6 out of 10 before joining, which is half the national average. A recent survey showed that this score has vastly improved since connecting with nature more. 

One member, Jean, reflected on the change she’s experienced since accessing Nature Fix. “My depression has lifted after a long scary nine months. Nature Fix has helped me feel connected. Nature is where I can breathe, feel free and relaxed,” she explained. 

Speaking from personal experience, being in nature helps me to relax. If I can get outside, I have a sense that I am part of something bigger and this helps to put things in perspective, which in turn slows my thoughts down and makes things feel clearer in my mind. 

My Favourite Yorkshire Places to Walk and Visit

Marsden Moor is one of my favourite places to walk and explore in spring. It’s a wild and impressive expanse where no two visits are the same, with plenty of tracks to tread. I sometimes take the opportunity to draw in nature, as this helps to ground me, and the Moor is a special place to be able to do this. 

There’s the potential to hear snipe birds drumming and they put on a wonderful display at this time of year. If you’re lucky you may spot rare mountain hares too, which start to moult into their brown summer coats. 

I’ve been running green prescribing sessions at Cannon Hall in Barnsley too, taking small groups of people around the grounds to embrace nature and help with their physical and mental health. The walled garden’s pear collection at Cannon Hall is nationally significant and lovely to visit in Spring. 

My local woodland in Holmfirth is also absolutely brilliant. I can visit throughout the different seasons and notice so many different wildlife and nature changes. I recently revisited a spot where there is a woodland swing and it gave me a sense of freedom playing on that for a while and looking up to the surrounding trees. The outdoors should provide fun as well as time for reflection. 

I love to walk around the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, there are plenty of circular routes to enjoy, allowing you to walk through fields and past flowing water all while looking at the sculptures. Having this on our doorstep is a real treat. Bluebell woods from May onwards are a vibrant haze of blue and the native ones have a heady, strong smell. There’s a lovely display of them at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park I’d recommend. 

The Benefits of Embracing Nature in All Its Forms, Throughout the Seasons

In recent years green prescribing has become more widely utilised, as many health and care professionals recognise the significance of being outdoors to mental and physical health; which in turn has led to programmes becoming available for people to access support. This is fantastic progress and a compelling case for nature’s ability to have a positive impact on lives across the country and throughout the year. 

Now we need to continue on this trajectory and ensure that everybody can access nature and be supported to do so. There have been heightening levels of stress, anxiety and stress over recent years as we’ve all had a lot to contend with. But finding the small, frequent pleasures in nature every day is a connection we can all share to combat this. And it’s humbling to be able to do so right here in Yorkshire. 

About Nature Fix

Nature Fix is an innovative online platform designed to reduce stress by connecting people with nature from the comfort of their own homes. It aims to bring the benefits of connecting to nature regularly to those who are unable to get into the great outdoors. 

Underpinned by science, the monthly membership platform shares the latest evidence from academics and researchers; guided meditation videos in nature; updates on what’s happening in the natural world; and techniques to help people connect with nature regularly. Costing just £5, it is open to anybody. Visit www.otherwaystowalk.co.uk/naturefix for more information.

NorthernLife Mar/Apr 23