There are things in life that we just KNOW are good for us; vegetables, sleep, exercise, fresh air – it just makes sense. Then science comes along and validates our instincts and suddenly there’s no escaping the hectoring of well meaning advice offered up on every social media or grapevine we choose to tap into.  Such is the case with nature being good for us. I mean Do’h! 

I’m not criticising scientific rigour, you understand – just the commentators out there who read the surveys then convey it to us – their unsuspecting audience – as if we’d never even considered that a walk on the greenside might be a good thing. 

So as I write this blog – you need to know – that I know you know! You know how good nature makes you feel – you know how good the green grass or sand feels under your bare toes or how the wind, rain or sun on your face can transform your mood. I’m not ‘telling’ or preaching anything – I’m just sharing and savouring this brilliantly simple fact – that outside is awesome.    

To the science then, there are several surveys and reports that have caught my attention of late – many others, no doubt, that haven’t.  One piece of research from University of East Anglia reveals that exposure to green space reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure. Another study from the University of Derby in tandem with the Wild Life Trusts found that there was a scientifically significant increase in people’s health and happiness when they connected more with nature. That engaging in tasks like feeding the birds or planting flowers for bees had measurable positive health impact.  Incidentally of course there’s an upside here for the bees and birds too! 

More anecdotally I was struck by testimony of Joe Harkness as he talked about his mental health struggles with Chris Packham on BBC’s Winterwatch, Joe’s the author of Bird Therapy, in his book Joe relays the part bird watching and wildlife photography played in the transformation of his life. A narrative as powerful as any quantitative survey for sure. 

What’s interesting from a coach perspective is how, often when we need it most; we forget the redemptive qualities of nature. I talk with clients as they navigate a work or life crisis and I notice almost without exception that in moments of hiatus, ‘down-time’ is forfeited for screen time. Somehow we believe that solutions lie in hard work and hours spent in toil and in the solitude of the office. We turn away from the very solace that might fix us. 

So, trust in what you know – and now what’s scientifically proven – take a break from the issue – take in the blue and the green and tell me it don’t make things better.