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I\u2019m a firm believer of the benefits of connecting with nature, for both mental & physical wellbeing. Since joining the Sussex Wildlife Trust as a corporate member, I\u2019ve been keen to promote this concept to my business contacts.<\/p>\nI\u2019m a firm believer of the benefits of connecting with nature, for both mental & physical wellbeing. Since joining the Sussex Wildlife Trust as a corporate member, I\u2019ve been keen to promote this concept to my business contacts.<\/p>\n
During the Covid-19 lockdown, people are taking the opportunity to explore their local surroundings & enjoy nature nearby. They\u2019ve found that you don\u2019t have to go all the way to national park or nature reserve to connect with nature. Personally, I see a great variety of flowers, shrubs, trees, birds, mammals & insects on my regular walks or runs around the neighbouring roads (see this photo). I love it!<\/p>\n
So, once we\u2019re all back at work again in the future, think about how we can help our colleagues to connect with nature \u2013 to the benefit of the person & the business.<\/p>\n
The Trust gives this advice:<\/p>\n
Daily contact with nature is linked to reduced levels of chronic stress, reductions in obesity & improved concentration, so encourage your colleagues to get outside & help them feel healthier. There is a 10% reduction in work absence if employees are able to look at a green space rather than a wall.<\/p>\n
It would be great to green your office by creating an outside area<\/strong> \u2013 have a seating area with planters & trees; although this wouldn\u2019t be possible at many sites.<\/p>\n Small changes inside the offices are possible. Adding plants & photos of wildlife<\/strong> (or even playing birdsong!) can help your colleagues at work. Employees are 15% more productive when workplaces have even a few houseplants.<\/p>\n Map out local walking routes<\/strong> in wild places for people to enjoy at lunchtime. Promote these to staff so they can walk on their own, or even together as a regular social activity. People with easy access to nature are 3 times as likely to be active as those without access.<\/p>\n Have walking meetings<\/strong>, rather than be stuck indoors around the boardroom table. Walking can help focus the mind, so meetings can be more productive & creative.<\/p>\n Green neighbourhoods can help to reduce depression. Why not work with your neighbours to create wildflower borders & bird feeding stations<\/strong>?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n5 Ways to Wellbeing<\/h3>\n