Take Time for Nature

Now that we are firmly into Autumn here in the UK, the days are getting shorter (and a bit colder). But there are still plenty of sunny, dry moments between the downpours! Organisations like Mind tell us that being outside in nature can really help to improve mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as well as many other types of problems. So if you are able, why not give your wellbeing a boost by going outside, breathing in some crisp, fresh air and taking a look at the nature around you.   As we are in October, you could try and collect a few of the beautiful leaves that are changing colour just now – you could simply look at them closely and see how their colours are changing from green to yellow, orange or red. Maybe you could draw them or write down a few words, even a poem, about how they look and feel. If you can’t find any autumnal leaves, you could try and find any tiny insects or spiders that might be living under stones, amongst your plants or in a dark corner. Think about what they eat, how they build or find their homes, how they protect themselves… You could take a close-up photograph or make a sketch to remind you of how they looked. If you are feeling energetic, maybe you want to walk or run – that’s great! But maybe leave your ear pods at home and listen instead to the sounds of the wind in the trees or to birds or animals calling. Can you identify them from their call? Can you see them? How many creatures did you see or hear on your run? These are all ways to try and focus your thinking away from the everyday and the things that might be worrying you.   At Net School, our students study online, but we encourage everyone to take time away from their screens whenever they can and explore the world. It doesn’t matter whether you are on your balcony, in a garden or local park, rambling through a forest or climbing a mountain – just taking time away from your daily worries is what matters. Leave your screens behind and really take in the world around you – it can make a huge difference to your day. #OnlineSchool #homeeducation #naturevibes