The Healing Power of Nature

Mental Health Awareness Week

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and it runs from May 11th-17th, focusing on the theme of “Action,” to promote proactive steps we can all take for our mental wellbeing and that create lasting change.

Currently, in modern Britain we spend an average of 90% of our lives inside. 1 in 6 of us will be diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point in our lives. As young people, many of us are feeling increasingly disconnected and feeling under pressure due to a multitude of factors such as the cost of living crisis, impacts of climate change and impact of social media. Which is why more than ever, it is important to prioritise our mental well being. 

Image Courtesy of James Cutting

James and Ramandeep

Ramandeep from the UK Youth for Nature team recently had the pleasure of discussing this topic with British naturalist, writer, speaker and mental health campaigner based in the county of Hampshire, James Cutting. James has had a  lifelong fascination with wildlife, particularly birds, and it shaped much of his work, with a special passion for wading birds and their conservation. Through his writing and public speaking, James seeks to highlight both the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world while inspiring others to reconnect with nature.

Taking Action for Nature

Although birds remain at the heart of his interests, James is an all-round naturalist with a deep appreciation for the wider web of life. He is a trainee bird ringer and volunteers across a range of citizen science and conservation initiatives. His work has included marine mammal surveys, amphibian conservation as a toad patroller, and participation in national wildlife monitoring schemes, contributing valuable data that helps protect and understand Britain’s biodiversity across both land and sea.

Image Courtesy of Ramandeep Nijjar

The Healing Power of Nature

Alongside his conservation work, James is a passionate advocate for the restorative power of nature. In 2011 he experienced a serious mental health breakdown, an experience that profoundly shaped his life and outlook. In the years since, time spent observing wildlife and immersing himself in natural landscapes has played a vital role in his recovery and ongoing wellbeing. 

Through his writing, talks, and campaigns, James explores the powerful relationship between nature and mental health, encouraging people to slow down, step outside, and rediscover the quiet healing that the natural world can offer. He regularly repeats the motto ‘Be kind and watch birds!’

Nature Exposure and Physiological Stress

Nature can help us to regulate but not eliminate difficult emotions, it can provide small moments of relief. Natural environments have been proven that they can help to calm the nervous system and even small encounters can make a big difference. There has been substantial evidence showing that spending time in natural environments is associated with real benefits for both body and mind. Systematic reviews have found that nature exposure reduces physiological stress such as lower cortisol and blood pressure as well as self-reported stress levels. Research also links nature exposure with improved mood, reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms. 

Top Tips

Learn more about James and his incredible work through his website.

1. The first and simplest thing to do is noticing. Bring your attention to one small thing in the natural world such as a leaf moving, wind blowing or bird hopping. 

2. Listen to all the sounds around you, people often find this very grounding. 

3. We often all live very fast lives but slow your walking as this will allow your breathing to deepen and muscle tension to reduce. 

4. Connect with nature in a way that suits you, there is no specific way to do it!

Image Courtesy of Ramandeep Nijjar

Organisations for further support 

1. YoungMinds - Provides a website with advice and information for young people, parents, and professionals, plus a helpline for those worried about a child.

2. Kooth - An online mental health and wellbeing platform that offers self-help resources and support.

3. Childline - Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

4. Studentminds - A UK-wide programme for universities that supports them to promote the mental health and wellbeing of their students and staff.

5. Shout - A free, 24/7 confidential text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

6. Samaritans - Offers a 24/7 service to talk about whatever is on your mind. You can call them for free at any time.

7. Mind - They are here to make sure anyone with a mental health issue has somewhere to turn for advice & support.

8. NSPCC - advice articles (mainly centred at adults and parents) on a wide range of topical issues that young people face.

9. The Mix - The Mix is a charity based in the UK, which works with people under the age of 25 and offers support through a range of channels, including a free helpline and chat service, articles and peer-to-peer community chats.

10. Mental Health Foundation - a UK-based charity dedicated to promoting good mental health and addressing mental health issues.