Summer is finally here, and with it comes the opportunity to spend more time outdoors. As we all know, spending time in nature has many benefits for both our physical and mental health. In fact, it’s been proven that just 120 minutes outdoors over the course of a week can have great benefits*.
Physical benefits of getting outdoors
- Better breathing: Spending time in fresh air can help prevent respiratory disease as the concentration of air pollutants is far lower outside than in
- Improved sleep: Sunlight can help promote a healthy circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality
- Greater immunity: Getting extra vitamin D can help the body to absorb certain minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, contributing to a healthy immune system
Other benefits of spending time outdoors
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Connecting with the outdoors and nature can help to promote mindfulness and help to reduce mental fatigue
- Improved mood: It’s thought that spending time outside can help to improve mood, again through mindfulness and the association of happy memories
- Social interaction: Depending on where people choose to spend their time outdoors, it could also provide the opportunity for social interactions
- Physical activity: Getting outdoors may help individuals increase their physical activity, improving things like stamina and balance
How we ensure that residents can have a safe and enjoyable time outdoors
At The Beeches, we help residents have a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience by:
- Creating safe and accessible outdoor spaces free of hazards – We create outdoor spaces that are safe and accessible for all residents, regardless of their mobility or physical abilities. Our garden is large, flat with lots of spots to stop for a nice sit down
- Offering a variety of outdoor activities – We offer a variety of outdoor activities for residents to choose from so that everyone can find something they enjoy
- Getting residents out and about on day trips – We take residents on day trips to local parks, gardens, and other outdoor attractions. This gives them the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature and to socialise with other people
- Considering the needs and preferences of all residents – We never push a resident into doing something they don’t feel comfortable doing. We always consider their individual needs and preferences when planning outdoor activities
- Being flexible and able to adapt to the unexpected – We understand that the weather can change unexpectedly, so we always make sure to have a backup plan for outdoor activities. We’re also flexible enough to change our plans if a resident is not feeling well or if there is an emergency
- Providing pets – We have a lovely aviary as well as our resident goats Jack and Jill who never fail to take a snack from or provide a laugh for our residents and any visitors
We hope that our efforts can help residents enjoy the outdoors securely and give them the opportunity to connect with not just nature, but each other in a way that helps improve their physical, mental and emotional health.
If you are interested in finding out more about The Beeches, our friendly team is happy to chat. Call 01359 230773 or fill out our contact form to find out more.