A number of studies show that being close to nature is good for our mental and physical health. A team from UEA’s Norwich Medical School found that being around green space improved well-being. It can reduce tiredness, inflammation, stress, depression and anxiety, and even improve your memory and concentration.
In Japan, ‘Forest Bathing’ is becoming very popular but we can’t all down tools and head off to a forest at the drop of a hat. However, the Norwich study included urban parks, street greenery and undeveloped areas with natural vegetation in their study and it all made a difference.
So how can you take advantage of the coming warmer weather and make the most of the green spaces around you?
An extended version of this article, along with lots of other (previously unpublished) effective and practical advice is now included in our book, Anxiety to Calm: a practical guide to a laid back life which is available in paperback and Kindle.
