Nature is helping to calm and reassure during the pandemic (Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

Nature being good for us is nothing new.

For years, studies have shown the positive impact nature has on our mental wellbeing – so much so that doctors have even started prescribing it to patients living with anxiety and depression.

But now – with the nation limited to just one session of outdoor exercise a day – many have come to realise just how important nature is for their mental health.

From listening to the birds to feeling the sun on skin, people are realising how much happiness can be found in the simplicity of the natural world.

But it’s not just outdoor activities – just look at how many of us have bought house plants during the pandemic.

Nature is soothing us at the moment and we are craving its calmness.

Stephanie Dunleavy tells Metro.co.uk that’s she’s never been more in awe of the natural world. She finds nature reassuring during these uncertain times because it continues as normal.

She says: ‘While the world has come to a standstill – nature hasn’t. I think it’s the constant movement that offers a kind of certainty that we are craving in these uncertain times – the grass keeps growing and flowers continue to bloom.

‘I have wobbly days, like everyone, days where I want to know what, when and how – it’s in these moments that I appreciate nature most.

‘It reminds me to be present and appreciate what’s happening right now instead of panicking about the future.’

We are naturally programmed to want to be with nature (Picture: Getty Images/Johner RF)

Dr Vishal Shah, a GP and Medical Director at Thriva, delves into this further. He explains this response is natural because humans are actually wired with a desire to be around living things.

He says: ‘We’re naturally programmed to want to spend time in nature – in fact, the term “biophilia” is used to describe the innate tendency we have to connect with nature and living things.’

Adam Payne, from north London, tells Metro.co.uk he’s always enjoyed going for woodland walks near his house – but says these outings have taken on more meaning in recent weeks.

He explains: ‘A stroll down that path, surrounded by trees and birds – particularly after I finish work and the sun is beginning to set – is such an effective escape from cabin fever and feeling a bit downcast.

‘Work has been keeping me busy, for which I’m thankful and lucky, but I often finish the day feeling stressed and anxious.

‘I’ve found that getting outdoors really calms my mind when it’s a bit all over the place. Just being able to inhale some fresh air and smell the trees and the earth seems to have a soothing effect.

‘I get back to the house feeling revitalised and in a much better mental place to continue with my day.’

Nature is now being prescribed by doctors to help with mental health problems (Picture: Getty/ashley@globalwarmingimages.net)

Designer Kate Oldfield is another individual with a renewed appreciation for nature and the impact it’s having on her wellbeing.

She says: ‘Being around nature is so important for me at the moment, I’ve been leaving my phone inside and taking time each day in the garden with a book. There is hardly any traffic on the roads, too – so it’s so peaceful.

‘I can escape from anxious thoughts and appreciate the small things in life.

‘I’m definitely in a better mood after and feel happier.’

But it’s not just our mental health which benefits from the natural world – our physical health is better because of it, too.

Dr Vishal adds: ‘Spending time in nature is linked to lower stress levels, lower blood pressure, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, better sleep, and a stronger immune system.’

For those who don’t have a garden. Dr Vishal says that there are plenty of ways to bring nature inside – like filling your house with plants and flowers.

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He says: ‘You can order plants online or even try your hand at growing your own. Gardening is extremely therapeutic and studies have shown benefits to mental health.’

He adds: ‘You can even turn your hand to growing your own food — if you can’t start a fully-fledged veggie patch, some herbs in a window box will do the trick.’

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