As the evenings grow lighter and the sun stays with us a little longer, it’s the perfect time to step outside and enjoy a few green moments. This year, the Summer Solstice falls on Saturday 21st June, our longest day of the year and a lovely excuse to spend a little more time outdoors in the light.
Spending time in nature has proven benefits for our mental health. Just twenty minutes in a natural environment can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, helping us feel calmer and more grounded [1]. Being surrounded by greenery, even briefly, can lift our mood, ease anxious thoughts, and support emotional wellbeing [2]. Nature also gives our minds a rest, helping to restore focus and sharpen mental clarity [3].
And even if you can’t get outside, there are still ways to benefit. Viewing natural scenes through a window, a photograph, or even a short video can help the body recover from stress more quickly than urban views [4].
So, if you’re feeling foggy, flat, or frazzled, try giving yourself a few green minutes. Step outside. Notice the breeze, the sky, the sounds. Let nature do its quiet, steady work.
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