MAKE A SPLASH
I
t’s a well-known fact that the
endorphins released through exercise
make you feel good – but many
people just don’t enjoy running or hitting
the gym. Why not try swimming? There’s
something special about moving through
the water that is particularly uplifting and is
thought to reduce stress.
Swimming in a natural environment like the sea,
or a natural pool, can be particularly uplifting,
perhaps because spending time in the countryside is
good for your mental health. Even a walk beside a river or
sitting beside a stream can make you feel good.
One study showed that people who lived by the sea
reported better health than people who lived 30 miles
away from the ocean. The researchers thought the
relaxing seaside environment may be positively
affecting their health.
Do remember, though, that if you swim in the
wild, stay safe in shallow water, avoid currents,
and don’t get out of your depth.
HOW DOES YOUR
GARDEN GROW?
A
ttract wildlife to your garden by
planting insect-friendly fl owers and
providing homes for different species.
Consider installing bird boxes, a bat box, or a
hedgehog house! Connecting with wildlife is uplifting,
and seeing birds in your garden, and watching your seeds grow
and bloom will defi nitely boost your mood. Studies have found
that the mental health benefi ts of gardening are extensive, it
can help reduce depression and anxiety, relieve stress, and
combat high blood pressure, as well as improving fi tness.
If you don’t have a garden, then visit your local park.
Research published by the University of Alabama in February
2019 showed that urban parks make people happier,
regardless of whether they’re active when they get there or
not. It’s the natural environment that lifts people’s
moods - the plants, the fl owers, the squirrels running
around on the lawn, and the natural beauty of the
great outdoors.STARRY, STARRY NIGHT
W
ith this year marking the 50th
anniversary of the Apollo Moon
Landing, there’s never been a
better time to drink in the wonders of
the Cosmos. And the really good news
is that, living in the UK, we have some
of the world’s best stargazing spots
right on our doorstep.
Stargazing can give you a sense of
awe and wonder, and make you feel
quite small in the world, but also
connected to something much bigger. It
gives you a sense of perspective, making you
appreciate the vast universe and your place in
it. Watching the stars encourages curiosity and
helps you think of things besides yourself.
A study by George Mason University in Virginia
found that students who were curious and looked beyond
themselves, were happier and enjoyed life more than those
who were inward looking. They also felt their existence had
more meaning.
Head to the South Downs, Exmoor, Pembrokeshire Coast
National Park or Galloway Forest in Scotland for an
unforgettable stargazing experience.INDULGE
YOURSELF
I
f you’ve got a bit of
cash to splash, why not
book time out at a
spiritual retreat, a weekend
health spa? Retreats come in a
wide range of options including yoga and meditation
retreats, eco-friendly vegetarian resorts, Christian
spirituality, healing retreats, or health and wellness
retreats generally.
Retreats can benefi t people facing all sorts of
challenges. A study published in 2018 by BMC
Complementary and Alternative Medicine concluded that:
‘Health retreat experiences appear to have health benefi ts
that include benefi ts for people with chronic diseases such
as multiple sclerosis, various cancers, HIV/AIDS, heart
conditions and mental health.’
A cheaper alternative is to make your own retreat at
home, with candles, quiet time, and relaxing activities.