Nature benefits mental health

With another lockdown just beginning, it is important to try to get outside and get some fresh air. By exercising outside and exploring nature you will:

• See big improvements in self-esteem and mood and bigger reductions in stress.
• Being outside in natural light can also be helpful especially with the darker evenings.

Check out this video in which Dr Jo Barton, Senior Lecturer, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences discusses the benefits of green exercise.

The People’s Choice Awards – Dr Jo Barton, Green Exercise pioneer, University of Essex from University of Essex on Vimeo.

If you live at our Colchester Campus then make the time to explore the green flag award winning Wivenhoe Park. It has been home to the University of Essex since the 1960s and has a rich history. It was painted by Constable and provided a home to the Special Air Service (SAS) during World War II. Now its 200-plus acres of parkland are home to a wide range of wildlife, including rare bees, moths and spiders.

If you are based at our Southend check out some of these areas.

• Belfairs Wood, Park, and Nature Reserve which has more than 1,160 acres of historic green woodland. Trail through the trees, observe wildlife from butterflies to dormice to horses, or have a go at a game of crazy golf, bowls, or tennis.
• Priory Park is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. It is a great space to escape in the peace and quiet of a secluded secret garden. There is also tennis courts, ponds, and a maze.

If you are located at Loughton, make sure to explore these spaces:

• Epping Forest, is just a stone’s throw away from Loughton. Take a gentle walk throughout the 6,000 acres of beautiful, ancient woodland, and see what rare wildlife you can spot.