How do you feel when you walk through a forest or woods? Relaxed, calm and peaceful?

Visiting green spaces and being with nature is good for both your mental health and physical health. It has been found that living in areas where there are more trees and grass has been linked to a lower risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

A recent study found that people who spent at least two hours a week with nature were more likely to report higher levels of health and well-being – so nature really is good for you!

1 in 4 people will suffer from a mental health difficulty at some point in their lives. Life these days seem to get busier and more hectic as each year passes. The effects of the pandemic have also taken it’s toll with many more people feeling anxious, worried and stressed. Visiting green spaces and parks is a great way of feeling an escape and getting away, a chance to walk, do some excercise and share social experiences with friends – which are all good for our mental health and wellbeing.

Making some time just for yourself is extremely important to keep a good healthy balance and good mental health.

Roundhay Park Leeds

Leeds is lucky enough to have one of the biggest city parks in Europe. Roundhay Park is not far from our offices at Leep1 and it is a popular destination for our out and about trips with our members. The park covers more than 700acres – that’s the same as 700 football fields! With woodlands, lakes and streams, grasslands, formal gardens and mansion to name a few of its attractions.

We spent this week going for lots of walks at Roundhay park. Everyone really enjoyed the good weather and one of the highlights was spotting the baby signets with it’s mother by the lake – as well as Annette trying to exericse while eating an ice cream!

Urban Green Spaces

Most cities have green havens in and among all it’s tall buildings. These spaces break up the all the grey and adds a breath of fresh air for visitors and people who work nearby. We took our members to Leeds city centre to explore some nature in the heart of the city which included an impressive 30ft planted wall at Leeds City College!