Boost Your Family’s Wellbeing

At the start World Wellbeing Week 2020, we look at the benefits of walking in nature   

Still in the shadow of lockdown, it’s more important than ever to focus on your family’s wellbeing.

Whether your isolation experience has involved trying to conduct zoom conferences while bouncing a babe on your knee; or creating an endless stream of crafts in a bid to entertain a tantrum-prone toddler, being cooped up indoors can take its toll.

Luckily, whatever the weather, escaping into the great outdoors provides an opportunity for a much-needed scenery change, and can provide heaps of benefits for the mind and body.

Natural healing

A study in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that a dose of nature for just two hours per week is associated with better health and psychological wellbeing.

Spending time al fresco doesn’t only allow you to be more active, it’s proven to relieve stress and anxiety, enhancing mood and leading to increased feelings of happiness and harmony.

From a family perspective, your little ones can burn pent up energy, get acquainted with Mother Nature, and spend quality time with you, away from the distractions of toys and technology.

If you went down to the woods today…

Now that lockdown rules are becoming less rigid, nature reserves, parks and forests can be freely visited again. Pura is a proud partner of the Woodland Trust, and many of the Trust’s gorgeous forest sites, across the UK, are now open for visitors. Check out the Trust’s Visiting Woods pages to find out which would suit your family best.

As well as forest walking, you could encourage young children to birdwatch, look out for creepy crawlies and listen to the sounds of summer mindfully, helping them use their senses to form a closer connection with nature. 

Stay safe

The Woodland Trust offers the following advice during lockdown:

• Check for car park closure information. Most car parks are now open, but it's best to check the Visiting Woods pages before travelling

• Maintain social distancing by staying at least two metres away from other people outside your group

• If driving, park with consideration for local residents and don’t block gateways and other access points that emergency services may need to use

• Follow recommended hygiene guidance

• Take your litter home with you.

Have fun! World Wellbeing Week starts today (22 June).

Images:  Michael Heffernan/WTML and Ben Lee/WTML