Stress is one of the biggest leaches of energy; adrenaline levels rise, heart rate increases, breathing and blood flow to muscles quicken and all this can leave us feeling tired or even exhausted. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, hormones that induce a state of euphoria and exercise can therefore improve our mood as well as energy levels. Two of the body’s main sources of energy are light and fresh air so being outside in a pleasant environment is good for our mental and physical wellbeing, a great way to reduce stress and boost energy levels. Experts from The World Health Organisation say we should exercise for at least 30 minutes, five times a week.

More about Green Care
A number of care projects now use Ecotherapy to help people with experience of mental distress. Evidence is mounting for the effectiveness of interventions like green gyms and care farms. These kinds of approaches are collectively labelled ‘green care’ and in recent years the green care movement has emerged to champion the benefits of a whole range of interventions. This includes social and therapeutic horticulture, and animal assisted therapy in farm settings. In Europe green care farming projects are more common than here in the UK and are used by people experiencing a wide range of health problems including work related stress, mild or moderate depression, drug, alcohol and other addictions. These projects are also used by disaffected young people as well as those with more serious mental health problems.

What national and international organisations have to say
The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health estimates the annual costs of physical inactivity in England at £8.2 billion.

The mental health charity MIND states that Ecotherapy or green exercise should be recognised as a clinically valid treatment for mental distress. They believe Ecotherapy, a treatment that is free of unpleasant side effects, offers a cost effective and natural addition to existing treatments.

The Chief Medical Officer, speaking for the Dept. of Health has stated that physical activity is effective in the treatment of clinical depression and can be as successful as psychotherapy or medication, particularly in the longer term.

In The Depression Report, Lord Layard argues the case for green exercise as an alternative to other treatment options for mild to moderate depression.

What recent research indicates
Recent research carried out at the University of Essex concluded that green exercise, as opposed to exercise alone:

• improved psychological wellbeing by enhancing mood and self-esteem, while reducing feelings of anger, confusion, depression and tension
• had a wide range of physical health benefits including a reduction in blood pressure
• helped to facilitate social interaction and connectivity

A further study measured the effects of 10 green exercise activities, including walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, canal boating and conservation activities. Again results showed that participants were significantly less angry, depressed, confused and tense after engaging in green exercise. Self-esteem levels also improved significantly. These findings are supported by a number of other studies in the UK, Europe and Australia. The consistent message from all this research is that contact with green space improves psychological health and mental wellbeing. It provides a restorative environment for people to relax, unwind and recharge their batteries as well as facilitating social contact. Crucially the combination of exercise and engagement with nature adds up to more than the benefits of either alone.

What I can offer
We are lucky enough to live in a quiet rural environment with wonderful views of the Pennines. Counselling and other therapy work takes place against this peaceful background. Horses graze in the paddock adjoining the house and chickens range freely. Cats and dogs laze about the garden. The farm lies beside the River Eden and has a multitude of bird life.

I am keen on many sports and leisure activities including walking, horse riding, cycling, swimming and gardening. I have qualifications through well respected organisations to lead moorland walks, teach horse riding and swimming, and lead agricultural and horticultural activities. I have also worked with young people undertaking The Duke of Edinburgh Award and The Ten Tors Challenge.

I strongly believe that the rhythms of nature have the capacity to calm, heal, energise and inspire and I try to integrate a ‘green care’ approach with my counselling and other therapeutic work. I am always happy to discuss personally designed care or treatment plans, which might well include walking, cycling or swimming in a quiet local pool. Please contact me for further details.