Now that restrictions have lifted you may be experiencing mixed emotions – apprehension, excitement, caution, relief, anxiety. There is no right or wrong way to feel as we all experience emotions differently.

With it being summer, there has never been a better time to get outside and make the most of the great outdoors. The evenings are lighter, and the days are warmer, giving us a great opportunity to get out there and discover all the things that being outside has to offer. This could help us to feel safer in building back social activities in a way that is more controlled in terms of numbers. It can enable us to maintain some social distance for those of us that are a little apprehensive about being in enclosed spaces mask free!

Being outdoors can give us a much-needed dose of vitamin D and can help us to feel relaxed. Exercise in outdoor spaces can help reduce levels of cortisol, which is the stress hormone, as a result, we can feel less stressed and more relaxed. Exercise is also known to help increase levels of endorphins which are the body’s natural pain reliever and stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin which play an important role in regulating your mood.

Here are some top tips for making the most of the outdoors….

1. Get out for a walk and explore your local area. Lots of people took up walking during lockdown and the footpaths have never been so well trodden. There are several smartphone apps that can help you find your local footpaths, or you could go “old school” and grab an O/S map!
2. Be mindful when out walking, try to let go of worries and be in the present. What can you see around you, what can you hear? Notice the birds, trees, sounds, sky, warmth, and breeze.
3. Go for a picnic or dine al fresco.
4. Organise a game of rounders with friends.
5. Take a trip to the coast or a local lake - being next to water can be calming and relaxing.
6. Take up an outdoor sport. There are many different sports to choose from – tennis, golf, running, cycling, rambling or water sports. Stand up paddle boarding and kayaking have soared in popularity this year!
7. Find areas of natural beauty, historical sites etc to visit. Stuck for ideas, check out the National Trust website, which has got ideas of great places to go.
8. If you work from home take your work outside where possible or take your breaks in the garden.

Whatever you are interested in, there really is something outdoors for everyone!