All of us should take time for our mental health, as it is just as important as our physical health. When our mental health is good, we feel emotionally well, able to care for ourselves and others, and engage in the things we care about.
There are things that each of us can do in our day-to-day lives to support our mental health and that can include connecting with nature and all the benefits that it can have.
Spending time by yourself or with others in nature is good for us for many reasons. Fresh air and exercise have been recommended as a way for many to feel better both physically and mentally.
Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile.
Nature can generate many positive emotions such as joy, calmness, creativity and can also aid in facilitating concentration.
Alderford provides a calming environment for people of all ages to come and relax whether that’s going for a simple walk, swim or enjoying a hot drink outside in the fresh air.
Walking helps boost your mood because it increases blood flow and blood circulation to your brain and body. Exercising by walking can calm your nerves, which will help you feel less stressed. Physical exercise paired with positive social interactions can improve mood, and improve your self esteem.
Here at Alderford you can visit anytime between 9am and 4:30.pm, whether that’s for a brisk walk around the lake or just taking time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity that the lake can can offer. Spending time on the lake also allows you to enjoy the wildlife that we have in and around the lake. This includes different species of fish, birds, ducks and geese.
Swimming outside in a cold lake may not be your idea of fun however, there are plenty of positive reasons to bare the cold and give cold water swimming a go.
When talking about exercising in groups cold water swimming gives you an excellent opportunity to socialise and meet new people. There is a sense of community and camaraderie amongst cold water swimmers and at Alderford, especially during the summer months, we offer social meet ups and swimming competitions such as our recent Shropshire Swim Challenge.
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