Nature and Mental Health
Why the Outdoors Matters More Than Ever
As the days grow shorter and darker, nature reminds us to slow down. Winter encourages us to stay indoors, where it is warm and cosy, to conserve energy and nurture what matters most.
Yet, while this season invites rest, it also brings a different kind of pressure. The run-up to Christmas can be busy and overwhelming, full of excitement, expectation, and endless to-do lists. For both adults and children, the constant pace and time spent indoors can take a toll on our mental well-being.
Spending time outdoors offers a simple way to pause, reset, reconnect and give our minds and bodies space to breathe.
Outdoor Play Matters
Children today spend far less time outdoors than previous generations; in some schools, playtime is as little as 45 minutes a day outside.
Research from OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) highlights that children thrive when given the time and freedom for unstructured outdoor play: climbing, exploring, building, or simply using their imagination. Free play outside, rather than structured activities, gives space for creativity, problem-solving, confidence, and even emotional regulation.
Benefits for well-being include:
Lower stress hormones
Improves mood, concentration and overall well-being
Increased physical activity
Greater curiosity and creativity
Simple Ways to Boost Outdoor
Time This Winter Cold weather doesn’t mean staying inside. Here are a few easy ways to embrace nature during the winter months:
Make short bursts count. Even 15–20 minutes outdoors can help children reset and feel refreshed.
Dress for the season. Layers, waterproofs, and wellies make cold-weather play fun and stress-free.
Keep it unstructured. Collect leaves, splash in puddles, or build dens.
Final Thought
Although winter invites us to rest, it’s also a time when life can feel busiest. Getting outdoors even briefly helps both adults and children release stress, reconnect, and find moments of calm together.
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