Sometimes your mind just needs a bit of fresh air, and with the Peak District at our doorstep, summer in Sheffield is the perfect time to give it just that.

Spending time outdoors can take many forms, from reading a book in your garden or local park, to going on hikes to explore Sheffield’s picturesque surroundings. However you choose to spend it, there is no doubt that spending time outdoors is great for your mind.

But why?

Biologically, sunlight exposure increases serotonin levels - a hormone which can improve your relaxation, focus, and overall mood. Likewise, the accompanying physical activity releases ‘happy hormones’ (like serotonin and dopamine) and can provide a rewarding sense of achievement.

The 5 Ways to Wellbeing

What makes time outdoors so great is that it can incorporate most of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing. These are a handful of simple, day-to-days steps that you can take to look after your mental health. These include:

• Connect
• Get Active
• Take Notice
• Learn
• Give

For example, let’s imagine you visit one of Sheffield’s local green spaces - Sheffield Botanical Gardens. Here is how you can use your time outdoors to engage in some of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing:

• Connect

If you choose to visit with a friend, you could use this time to connect and check in with them. They may be able to provide emotional support should you need it, or simply remind you that you are valued.

• Get Active

By walking around the park, you are moving your body, allowing those happy hormones to flow and improving your overall mood.

• Take Notice

Whilst you’re in the park, take notice of the environment around you, like the smells, colours, and sounds of nature. You may also use this time to take note of your emotions and how you are feeling in the moment.

• Learn

The Botanical Gardens hold many opportunities to learn. You could take time to read about the diverse plant collections, including tropical plants, or learn about the park’s heritage.

After reading this, if you choose to spend time outdoors and embrace the last of summer in Sheffield, I trust it will go a long way in improving your mood. And lastly, congratulations – by learning about how the great outdoors is great for your mind, you have already embraced one of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing.