Spring is in the air and the weather is getting warmer, it’s important to get outdoors during mental health week.

According to the NHS, “Regular exercise can boost your mood if you have depression, and it’s beneficial for people with mild to moderate depression.

Here are some ideas on how you can enjoy the outdoors during mental health week.

Go for a run
I’ve started running again, and I’m slow and struggling.

I used to run for the county as a child and was in the school cross country teams. Now it’s a little embarrassing to have fallen behind so much, but I have a back injury.

I have synced my Garmin watch with the Nike running app. I have to run every Saturday and Sunday while doing Muay Thai to keep fit and lose weight.

I used to use a Fitbit but was told that Garmin watches are more accurate for running. Fitbit is a great watch, but it’s more for general exercises and counting steps.

Running can help benefit people with mental health and people without, and it helps clear the mind. Why not get out and give it a go and see if it’s for you?

Go for a walk

Get outdoors, get some exercise and fresh air and enjoy Spring by going for walks. Now the evenings are getting lighter a short walk can help you feel energized.

I like to get those steps up daily as I’m currently trying to lose a few kilos.

If you like crowds, go early enough, and you will get to see the sights without it being too busy.

Take some photos outdoors during mental health week
Try taking some videos and photos on your walks or runs. You can look back on your achievements by getting out and enjoying a nice run or walk this mental health week.

Go to a park
If you live in a city, it might be easier to walk to a park and take the family or friends or go by yourself if you fancy some time alone time. You can even picnic along and kick about or play an outdoor game with the kids or have a barbecue now the weather is heating up. They even sell outdoor games for adults if you don’t have kids or you want some grown-up time.

Visit the beach

Many people will be heading to the beach during the spring and summer months, but being by the sea can have a calming effect on many of us. If you don’t live near a beach, you can always plan a trip to the nearest beach.

Let us know how you will be getting outdoors this mental health week?