Our Visitor Experience Manager, Carrie, talks to us about how nature can support our wellbeing.
We all know that long periods of concentration, whether at work, home, or school, can leave us feeling physically and mentally drained. Thankfully, nature has the capacity to help fatigued parts of our brains recharge and even a short spell sitting under a tree can work wonders. Plenty of studies show that ‘micro-breaks’ are not only beneficial to our wellbeing, but also help us feel a deeper connection with the natural world around us.
Making connections with people, places and experiences is something that most of us may take for granted. However, an estimated 20% of us are neurodivergent, that is – we think, communicate, and see the world differently. Neurodivergence covers a range of neurological differences including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. In essence, it accounts for variations in the human brain that cope with learning, socialisation, moods, and attention spans among other things. These variations are not regarded as unhealthy or abnormal, but as differences to be understood.
In recent years, the practice of Shinrun-Yoku (the Japanese art of forest bathing) has become a popular eco-therapy, a natural antidote to busy, tech-driven lives. Like so many nature based pastimes it can be a coping mechanism when we are physically or psychologically stressed. We know that exposure to nature can reduce neurodevelopmental anxieties and research proves that children with ADHD show elevated attention and concentration spans in outdoor classrooms, such as forest schools.
Neurodivergent peole are prone to developing oversensitivity to sensory experiences such as hearing, touch, sight. Huge amounts of sensory information can cause ‘burn out’ but connecting with nature through those very elements can enhance the ability to cope with a wider range of stimuli. Similarly, strengthening neural pathways through focussing on the sights, sounds and smells of nature can combat undersensitivity in other individuals.
Living in a neurotypical society can be frustrating and exhausting and may lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression for some people. The restorative effects of nature are a proven remedy for stress and a relatively easy fix. A short walk outside, slowing down to notice everything, taking time to use all our senses and interact with nature works just as well. Spend ten minutes in a quiet space listening to the rustling of the trees, watch how the light filters through swaying branches or lie on the lawn watching clouds move across the sky, feeling the sun on your face.
At Titchwell Marsh, you can meander along the Fen and Meadow trails or take a mindfulness stroll along the East trail. Focus on simple elements such as a bird flying overhead, an insect darting amid the flowers, water moving effortlessly along it’s course. Then let your mind gently lead you to wonder where the bird is flying to, look closer at the flowers or listen to the rhythm of the water. Explore textures (leaves, bark etc), listen to bird song, note the movement of light across the sky or just sit in the Wildlife Garden and allow your brain to be effortlessly revived by nature.
October is national ADHD month and an ideal time to explore the reserve. Paths and hides tend to be less crowded, visitor numbers are generally lower and the reserve overall is quieter. There are specific trails to take and visiting times that we can suggest, so please do contact the reserve at titchwell@rspb.org.uk for further information.