Today kicks off Children’s Mental Health Week, when it comes to our health nature can offer a gentle helping hand.

Mental health is a complex area with a myriad of complicated factors. Still, one remedy for those struggling with their health has always been nature.

We are looking at how the natural world can help boost our mental health.

Spending time under the sun has been proved to boost mental health. This is thanks to the ‘happy’ vitamin, aka vitamin D. A 2014 study produced results suggesting vitamin D3’s positive impact on our mood was clinically substantial. Just be sure to take precautions with high UV levels.

With half-term approaching there is an opportunity to spend a little more time outdoors. Making use of trails and woodland areas for walks can help with stress, anxiety, and physical health, in addition to offering a chance for quality family time.

It doesn’t matter what size area you have available, be it a garden or simply a spare windowsill. Growing your own fruit, vegetables, or just flowers can add structure to your life and is a good activity for parents to get involved with too.

Having the responsibility of raising the plant from a seed to bloom not only provides sustenance and colour to a home it also includes distraction and a proven boost to mental health.

Whatever you do, take notice of how you feel. Now and always.