As Mental Health Awareness Week draws to a close, we’ve taken the time to look back on how Mother Nature has played a part in keeping us lifted during lockdown.

The theme for the Mental Health Foundation’s 2021 campaign is ‘Nature’, following their research which revealed that going for walks outside was one of our top coping strategies over the past year. It also showed that 45% of us reported that being in green spaces had been vital for their mental health.

So what have the LOVELIVE team been doing to embrace what nature has to offer? As you can see from our pictures, we’ve enjoyed lunchtime walks, family treks, meet-ups on the Moorlands, orienteering and visiting scenic spots. We have also been getting green-fingered at home with potting plants and garden make-overs – maybe taking inspiration from the RHS Bridgewater Gardens, where impeccable design meets horticulture. The beautiful gardens open their doors to the public this month so if you’re looking for somewhere to add to your ‘places to visit’ list this summer click here to find out more: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater

We’d love to see how you have been enjoying the great outdoors – it may inspire others to take time for some self-care. There’s light at the end of the tunnel with the rollout of the vaccines in the UK and the gradual lifting of restrictions. However, until ‘normal’ resumes there’s one thing that we can all do and that’s #ConnectWithNature.

Find out more about Mental Health Awareness week by visiting: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week