Natural Pathway to Recovery

Look out onto nature is a first step on the pathway. Perhaps you are housebound, in a care home or a ward? Evidence has shown that viewing or listening to nature can aid recovery from illness or injury. Open the curtains or blinds. Position yourself in the sunlight and take in a view of a landscape or garden. Open a window. Smell the fresh air and listen to any sounds of nature from outside.

Arrange your seating so that you can look out of the room rather than into it. Open the curtains wide to let in as much sunlight as possible and position your chair so that you can feel the warmth of the sunshine on your skin. Open a window to occasionally let the sounds and smells of nature drift in on the breeze. A window sill bird feeder will encourage birds to come to where they can be seen. A carefully placed wind chime will make you aware of the changing weather outside. If light pollution is not an issue, lie with the curtains open and the lights off to watch the moon and the stars on a clear night.

Evidence has shown that even looking out on to nature has healing benefits. On a dull day, sit down to watch a wildlife documentary on the TV or read a book. Find suggested books to read in our recommended reading list.

Here are some of our favourite suggestions on how to bring the Outdoors Indoors:

• Plants: Display living plants like flowers and trees to add visual interest and purify the air. Some plants can even help with air pollution. You can also hang plants to make a room feel more open and give the impression that they’re floating. If you have pets, make sure the plants aren’t toxic to them.
• Listen to the sounds of nature – there are many pre-made playlists of woodland or seashore available online.
• Outdoor-inspired art: Use art inspired by the outdoors to bring the outside in. Set your screensaver to a natural landscape. Display driftwood and rocks or other unique items found in nature.
• Fragrances: Use fragrances to bring the outdoors inside. Pot Pouri or natural oils.

Perhaps you are recovering from illness or injury and venturing outside again for the first time, or perhaps age, injury or disease has meant you are unable to participate in the activities you were once able to?

Breathe some fresh air into your life. The outdoors helps us cope with life’s ups and downs. Your local area can be the perfect place to enjoy tranquil spots, find peace and quiet and also have some fun. You don’t need to go far or for long. Connecting with nature can begin right on your doorstep.  Just sitting in the sunshine for five minutes can have a positive impact on your wellbeing. Check out or Greenspace page to find a park, forest, nature reserve, walk or cycle route near you.

If your legs can’t carry you far, then a drive to take in new scenery will do wonders for your wellbeing. For some, our eyes will carry us much further than our legs ever will. Take a picnic and make the most of it.

There may be some gentle activities you can engage with, found in our directory. Things such as Forest Bathing, gentle walks, therapy gardening groups and relaxation and mindfulness would suit those who have perhaps not been mobile for a time, or are not able to be as mobile as they once were.

Scheduling a little time with nature into your daily routine (no matter your ability) will ensure that good health is sustained in the long term. You can find new ideas and challenges to motivate you and alter your activity to fit with the seasons. 

The Think Health Think Nature Almanac

This seasonal guide has been developed to provide you with inspiration to connect with nature for your health and wellbeing all year round. Each month has a handy Calendar and checklist of things to do and look out for, as well as seasonal reciped, gardening tips and space to note your reflections. You can  collect a copy, for free, from your local Library or order one to be delivered through the Health Improvement Resource Service

Check out our interactive Almanac below:

Your green health journey doesn’t need to stop here.  There are many physical activities to progress to, but building everyday contact with nature is a good place to start. If you hit a set back, through illness or injury, you can visit the previous pages in the pathway to find a level that suits your needs.

Making a habit of regular contact with nature will help you to achieve the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, as set out in the physical activity guidelines. 

There are a wide variety of green health activities to choose from. Blue health activities are also included – any activity on or near rivers, lochs and coasts of Highland contribute to improved health and wellbeing. The activity categories are shown below. To find an activity near you, check out our Directory, searchable by Highland Locality.

• Walking
• Cycling
• Outdoor Volunteering
• Gardening and Growing
• Relaxation and Mindfulness
• Outdoor Learning
• Outdoor Sport
• Bushcraft
• Nature Conservation
• Creative Art

Many activities can be done alone but some can be done as part of a group. You may feel ready for outdoor social opportunities at this stage. Building contact with nature into a routine will help to sustain good physical and mental health for longer.

Set yourself a challenge:

Our six week Health Walk Journal may help you to set challenges and keep motivated. 

Hike the Highlands from Home – This virtual challenge will allow you to experience the incredible natural beauty of the Highlands, while exercising close to home.