“We know connecting with nature makes us feel good, and every little bit helps us find balance, build resilience and boost mental wellbeing,” Shaun Robinson said.
“We are lucky to live in a country surrounded by natural beauty. Every day we have opportunities to stop, take it in and appreciate the goodness that already surrounds us.”
Research by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) has proven that spending time in the outdoors improves people’s energy and mood. It will also help with concentration and speeds up recovery from tough times. It decreases anxiety and feelings of depression, and it helps with stress and makes lives meaningful.
The MHF has said that nearly 50% of New Zealanders will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime, and depression is set to overcome heart diseases as the biggest global health burden by 2020.
This year’s MHAW has concentrated on bringing the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ and nature together.
The five ways are; Connect, Give, Take Notice, Keep learning, Be active.
The MHF have encouraged people to get outdoors and explore and experience nature using these five ways.
Over the course of this week, there have been a number of events, challenges and resources that have been there to help and encourage Kiwi’s to look after their wellbeing.
In Christchurch, the All Right? Amble, which is run by university students, put a walking event on last weekend in the Botanic Gardens. The walk leads participants to five different spots that represent the 5 different ways to wellbeing.
