The health benefits of being in nature

We regularly hear that being immersed in nature is good for us, but do we know why?

Lockdown has made our homes become our kingdoms, we have spent many hours testing the comfiness of our sofas or despairing at our wifi speed. Casting a critical eye on our decor and suddenly finding that we now have the time to redecorate or finally clear out all those no longer needed items. For those of us lucky enough to have a garden we have been digging, planting and growing, keeping ourselves busy whilst we wait for the virus to recede.

The lockdown has really made us look at our homes and the location where we live with renewed vigour. Being near to the office or train station no longer carries the importance it once did (albeit on a temporary basis). Those with a home near to nature are reaping the rewards of lockdown, stories are rife of local residents rejoicing in popular seaside towns or Countryside locations over the lack of tourists. Being able to enjoy the delights of the landscape with only a smattering of locals for company. Whilst we of course, acknowledge that the local economy needs the tourists, for a short period of time, some have been able to enjoy the peace and beauty of where they live without the crowds.

Lockdown is different for every one of us, some have it easier than others. The wealth gap has been starkly felt and as we hear of celebrities escaping to their second homes before lockdown hit to spend 3 months enjoying their luxury havens away from the city, we also hear of the families who have Children, stuck inside flats with no access to outside space, playgrounds are closed and their worlds have shrunk. Which is why nature that is free and accessible to all of us has played such an important role in our lives over the past few months.

We are lucky here at Sunnyside Cottage, Grewelthorpe has over 120 acres of free woodland that is Hackfall on the edge of the village. Daily walks have been peppered with tree climbing or gorge walking, hunting for bugs or listening to the birds. Some days you won't see another sole as you make your way to the riverside beach to swim in the cool clear water, taking a moment to marvel at the river fish as you try your best to catch them for a closer look before setting them free. Home schooling opportunities are rife in the forest, but the benefits aren't just for Children. Being immersed in nature can have many benefits in all of us, a growing body of epidemiological evidence indicates that greater exposure to, or ‘contact with’, natural environments (such as parks, woodlands and beaches) is associated with better health and well-being, it helps to improve mood, reduces feelings of stress and anger, improves your self esteem and your physical health.

Whilst we can't all choose to live near places of outstanding natural beauty we can all carve out time for nature every day. Taking a moment to watch the birds from your window or to grow some flowers, walking through green space and having a moment alone with your thoughts to plan, dream or organise, nature is all around us we just need to look for it. One thing I have personally learnt during lockdown is that actually a picnic with our Children in a green open space brings joy to all of us and costs very little. Given a expanse of grass, Children will do cartwheels or play football happily without the need for electronic devices, fancy trampoline parks or soft play centres. Its something that we will continue as a family after lockdown is eased.

If you would like to book a stay at Sunnyside Cottage in Grewelthorpe please take a look at our Booking Page, the cottage sleeps 6 adults and 1 child across four bedrooms with a beautiful open plan living space downstairs, perfect for family breaks, and we are dog friendly too! We hope to see you soon.