Get involved in Naturally Healthy May!

Feel happier and healthier by joining Active Devon and Devon County Council’s campaign for a Naturally Healthy May. Why May? The start of May ushers in the summer, warmer days have returned, bluebells are out in full force, and nature is well and truly awake. It’s beautiful out there. May is a great time to think more about connecting with nature and benefiting both mentally and physically. There are huge wellbeing gains from getting outdoors and being more mindful.

“Connecting to nature is all about using your senses to notice what is around you. This could be hearing the dawn chorus, feeling the wind against your face, or seeing new flowers emerging from the ground. By valuing these experiences nature becomes more important to you and your feeling of belonging and wanting to conserve them. By being active in nature you are getting the benefits of being physically active and connecting to nature, a double whammy to your overall health!” Active Devon’s Tom Mack*

Skern Lodge, a centre for experiential learning and outdoor adventure, is flying the Naturally Healthy May flag and urging everyone, no matter what age or physical ability, to enjoy the great outdoors.

Nature is a gateway to adventure

Possibilities to feel empowered by nature are endless, away from more structured activities, being outdoors offers freedom and the chance of adventure without rules and limits. Outdoor adventure could be following a woodland trail and spotting the local wildlife; finding items to build an insect house; cultivating a garden patch; Geocaching and discovering items in hidden outdoor locations; beachcombing the Devonshire shoreline or heading out for an evening walk and stargazing. It’s the act of being immersed in nature whilst exercising that significantly lowers levels or poor mental health.

Life changing benefits of outdoor play

Immersing ourselves in nature enables us to feel more relaxed and happier. By adding outdoor play and adventure, there is a means to get active, improve health and foster creativity. For both adults and children, green exercise and play, such as, running, playing for a local sports team or building a den, all have massive wellbeing gains. Adventure and play provide opportunities to gain greater self-awareness, improve social skills, learn about the world, and ultimately feel better. Opportunities to get outdoors and join in this Naturally Healthy May are in abundance.

“We’re big supporters of Naturally Healthy May at Skern Lodge, and the potential for nature-based activities to support both positive mental health and wellbeing along with our physical health. We’ve enjoyed working with a number of local community groups to bring them a bit closer to nature, including the Bideford Lighthouse Project, Encompass South West, and Together Devon, who have all took to a kayak on the River Torridge, caught a wave surfing at Westward Ho! beach, listened to singing Skylarks at Northam Burrows Country Park, or hopped on a bike to cycle the Tarka Trail. We’re in a great spot in North Devon and Torridge to celebrate Naturally Healthy May!” Tom Humphreys, Deputy Centre Manager, Skern Lodge

Here are some brilliant ideas from Active Devon to connect with nature this May.
Naturally Healthy May Ideas to Get Started and Connect Actively to Nature - Active Devon

* Join in with NaturallyHealthy May and Feel Happier and Healthier - Active Devon

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