mindfulness
Mindfulness walks: 40 fabulous nature trails for mental and physical health
It's no secret that walking is as important for our mental health as it is for our physical health. Walking helps with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and overall wellbeing, but often that first step – getting outside – can be the hardest barrier to overcome. To help you on your way, we've picked 40 of the best walks in the UK for wellbeing and mindfulness.
Mental Health Awareness Week: 7 simple ways to connect with nature and improve wellbeing
Spending time in nature is good for our physical and mental health. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 (13-19 May), we've picked some of the best country walks, mindful crafts and nature volunteering ideas for you to enjoy.
Find mindfulness by the river
Accompanied by the changing light, ambience and audio of moving water, time spent idling by rivers offers us a meditative calm and perspective that is extremely good for our health, says Kevin Parr
Wellbeing books: the best nature titles to improve your mental and physical health
Research increasingly shows that we humans have become disconnected from the natural world around us – and it's not good for our health. But we can improve our mental and physical wellbeing by getting closer to wildlife and wild places. These six books are a fantastic place to start
Relax to the beautiful and calming sounds of nature with our series of Sound Escapes
Escape to the countryside for the chance to unwind, listening to lovely meditations in BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes – with new episodes every Friday
C is for Collecting: mindfulness in nature
Collecting and gathering items from nature can transform an everyday walk into an opportunity to improve your physical and mental wellbeing
Podcast: Finding a healthy mind, heart and body in nature – with author Lucy Jones
Discover the science behind why being outside in nature is good for you with author Lucy Jones in episode 7 of season 6 of the BBC Countryfile Magazine plodcast
Creative ways to connect with nature
As the countryside fills with singing birds, blooming wildflowers and emerging insects, the urge to explore is strong – here is a selection of easy creative and nature-inspired ideas.
A to Z of mindfulness in nature
We look at the various ways that nature and the countryside can be used to help improve physical and mental wellbeing in our mindfulness guide.
H is for Hammock: mindfulness in nature
Sit back, relax and enjoy the world around you – time alone in a hammock beneath the trees can help you to be more present, in turn improving physical and mental wellbeing
Join the nation in writing about the first day of spring
The National Trust are encouraging the public — including those who might be confined to isolation — to connect with nature and write 150 words about the start of spring, with entries to be submitted by midnight on 20 March.
Z is for Zen: mindfulness in nature
Tips for how to be mindful in nature, in turn improving physical and mental wellbeing
Y is for Yoga: mindfulness in nature
Tips for how to be mindful in nature, in turn improving physical and mental wellbeing
X is for Xmas: mindfulness in nature
Tips for how to be mindful in nature, in turn improving physical and mental wellbeing
Podcast: A mindful wander in the Forest of Dean – and an encounter with boar
Sarah Orme and Fergus Collins head to the Forest of Dean to discuss mindfulness and how nature can provide us with the head space to cope with the stresses of modern life, in episode 3, season 9 of the Countryfile podcast
Helen Skelton: How to have incredible adventures in the British countryside
Adventure awaits in Britain’s beautiful countryside – so why not lace up your boots and embark on an exhilarating autumn walking challenge, says Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton.
Prescribing nature is good value for money, finds report
Green prescribing is an effective way for improving low levels of mental wellbeing, according to a new report.
W is for Wood: mindfulness in nature
How working with wood can help improve physical and mental wellbeing
V is for View: mindfulness in nature
How getting outside and exploring beautiful views can help improve physical and mental wellbeing
U is for Unwind: mindfulness in nature
How unwinding and relaxing outdoors can help improve physical and mental wellbeing
T is for Touch: mindfulness in nature
How touch can improve physical and mental wellbeing
S is for Swimming: mindfulness in nature
How swimming outdoors can improve physical and mental wellbeing
R is for Reading: mindfulness in nature
Reading outside can help improve physical and mental wellbeing
Q is for Quiet: mindfulness in nature
Being quiet in nature can help you be more present, in turn improving physical and mental wellbeing
