(C) Neil Aldridge
Wild Wellbeing at home
There are plenty of ways to reconnect with nature from your own homeÂ
Research shows that spending time outdoors in nature is great for our physical and mental health. At Derbyshire Wildlife Trust we have a range of well-being activities for all abilities, whether you are taking your first steps out into nature or already feel at home outdoors, we can help you feel good and give you a lovely feeling of ‘wild well-being’. If you cannot join us for face-to-face activities, this page is full of ideas for ways to connect with nature and nourish your well-being at home.
5 Ways to Wild Wellbeing at home
Look back at our webinar delivered as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 for an introduction to the 5 Ways to Wellbeing of keeping active, giving, connecting, learning and taking notice and how you can add a twist to get wild at home.
Take Notice
Once you slow down it’s amazing how much beautiful nature you will spot all around you. Try this grounding exercise to help you tune in from anywhere, even indoors.
Look around and find 5 natural things. If you are indoors this might be a picture of nature, some natural materials such as wood, a glimpse of the sky through a window, a houseplant or close your eyes and picture 5 things.
Find 4 natural things that you can touch. You may need to move around to find them. If you are indoors, think about natural textures, or open the window and feel the breeze on your face.
Listen carefully and find 3 things that you can hear. If it’s very quiet where you are then be playful and see how you can make different sounds. Listen to your own breathing or heartbeat and remember that we are nature too.
Find 2 things in nature that you can smell. If you can’t find anything then think of two of your favourite scents in nature – perhaps the scent of freshly cut grass, the sweet smell of a summer rose or the delicate floral scent of a carpet of bluebells.
Find 1 thing you can taste. Perhaps a juicy piece of fruit or a tasty herbal tea. Why not try breathing through your mouth and noticing how the air itself tastes?
Alternatively, make the most of our online videos, grab a cuppa and enjoy spending some virtual time watching the wildlife at one of our reserves.
Connect
Connecting with nature has inspired countless artists, musicians and poets over the years. Letting nature inspire you to create something to be shared with others is a fantastic way to connect with both nature and people. Why not try creating your own music mix using BBC’s Soundscape mixer?
There are over 33,000 sounds from around the world to choose from, 17,000 of those from nature itself. Once you've finished you can download the file to play when you need a little time to unwind.
Be Active
Alongside heading out for a daily walk or time to exercise, there are many things you can do from the comfort of your own home to engage with nature and rest your mind. Why not try a little gentle wildlife inspired yoga?
Let mindfulness become wildfulness and strike some yoga poses in nature!
Keep Learning
Nature surrounds us, even in the middle of our cities!  So why not spend some time getting to know the nature around you?  To get you started, check out these videos all about our Tree-mendous Trees!
Give
Join our Team Wilder for plenty of ideas and support to help you take action for wildlife. Every action counts!
Wildscapes for Wellbeing
If you can't get out to our reserves let us bring them to you!
These relaxing videos let you escape into the beautiful surroundings of our reserves:
Fun activities to do at home
Can you support us?
Learn more about the health and wellbeing benefits of nature
Find out more
Skylark, Ian Wilson