From the Broads, to forests and our beautiful coastline, Norfolk has an abundance of nature to get out and enjoy. And taking time to slow down and tune into the environment has been shown to boost our wellbeing, whatever the season.
Sarah Groves is founder of Feel Good Norfolk, a collective of wellbeing practitioners.
She says: 'When we do things that make us feel good, we have a physiological response in the body. Our brain releases oxytocin - known as the love hormone. It counteracts the stress hormones, so we feel more relaxed and at ease. It helps us feel more connected to ourselves and others. It improves our quality of sleep. It can even help relieve our aches and pains.'
Here some Feel Good Norfolk members share their tips for feeling healthier and happier during the summer months.
Forest bathing
'You could be forgiven for thinking that sound baths and forest bathing were just wellness trends, or woo-woo even,' says Nicky Dorrington of Sound and Ground, based at Thetford.
'But what if I told you that scientific research shows these practices could reduce your stress levels by up to 60%, give you a better night’s sleep, and enhance your immunity?'
Nicky admits that she was 'once a wellness industry sceptic', but trying a sound bath changed her mind, finding it especially powerful if practised in a woodland setting.
'I was highly stressed by my corporate job and long commute. With a busy "chatty" mind I struggled with stillness and mindfulness. I tried a sound bath and was blown away by how the sounds brought me to place of calm and deep rest with no effort required - all I was doing was laying there and listening! Forest bathing offered me the best relief from anxiety I could find. It was truly a revelation,' she says.
'During a sound bath you can simply rest while a practitioner plays therapeutic instruments such as singing bowls and gongs. And when we do this immersed in nature, combining sound therapy with forest bathing, we can double the benefits and enjoyment. The power of sound, plus nature, effectively reduces levels of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, normalises blood pressure - and by breathing in the forest air cocktail of phytoncides, aka the forest’s aromatherapy, you boost your immunity too.
'All while feeling the relaxing warmth of the sun on your face, hearing the birdsong in the trees, the scent of pine on the breeze, maybe even while you are swaying gently in a hammock…'
soundandground.co.uk
Beach yoga
The sound of crashing waves, the smell of salty air, and the vastness of the ocean...numerous studies have shown that spending time near the sea can reduce stress levels and improve mood - but why?
Tess Bickerstaff of Norwich Yoga Central is a self-confessed geek when it comes to the science behind it.
'Teeny tiny marine organisms called phytoplankton do this thing through photosynthesis where they use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create food for themselves and then release oxygen as a by-product - that is the oxygen that we breathe. Therefore, when we are close to the sea we are breathing the best quality air we possibly can,' she says.
'So exercising at the beach really encourages that pure air into our lungs, letting it filter out into the body,' she says.
Breathing deeply, as you do during yoga, has a wealth of benefits, says Tess.
'Deep, diaphragmatic breathing ensures your lungs take in more oxygen with each inhale, fuelling your cells and vital functions. And it promotes relaxation by activating the parasympatheitc nervous system which counteracts the 'fight or flight; response.'
To help people feel the full benefits of being near the water, during the summer months Tess runs Vinyasa yoga sessions at East Runton, inspired by the movement of the sea.
'After the session there is usually sea swimming, or surfing, definitely chips, and sometimes karaoke at Bernie's,' she laughs. 'It’s a great evening, perfect after a week stuck in the office.'
norwichyogacentral.co.uk
Embrace mindfulness
'The quote "don't forget to stop and smell the roses" is a beautiful reminder to enjoy and embrace what is already among us, the simple things and those little joyous moments,' says Katie Rutland of Bespoke Journey.
Nature is easy to access during the warm summer months, supports your wellbeing and is free.
'Whether you are in your favourite, local green spot, such as Eaton Park in Norwich or are discovering somewhere new, you can choose the way in which you see, meet and greet the environment,' says Katie.
'Can you perceive it with the wonder of a child, as if it were a new adventure, even if you've visited that park a hundred times? Incorporating mindfulness and awareness into your nature strolls, while embracing the innocence within yourself and viewing the world through the lens of a child's perspective, offers curiosity and a sense of freshness.
'Engage your senses: observe the birds, listen to the sounds, inhale the fragrance of flowers, feel the grass under your fingers, take a deep breath of the fresh sea air, and savour the taste of a freshly picked strawberry, enjoying each bite slowly.
'Keeping things simple greatly benefits your wellbeing, while an excess of anything disrupts harmony. It's incredibly healing, whether you're meandering at Wymondham Abbey or strolling along the coastal shoreline of Sea Palling. Take it all in, appreciate nature's various forms, and embrace what it gifts us.'
bespokejourney.co.uk
Slow yew down
With the whirl of parties and barbecues every weekend and perhaps looking after children and grandchildren on school holidays are you really savouring the long, sunny summer days?
'It can be lots of fun but it can also be exhausting,' says Georgina Huggins of Norfolk Yoga Therapy.
'It’s easy to overdo it in the summer months and end up feeling wiped out. “Why am I so tired?” is most frequently searched on Google in summer, and it’s easy to see why with all the extra activities we’re trying to fit in.'
So how do you make the most of summer without completely wearing yourself out?
'The answer is rest,' says Georgina. 'Taking time throughout your day to slow down and pause. This could mean you turn your phone off for a while, walk in nature, spend time alone or do something creative.
'There are also many ways that yoga can help you to slow down and feel more rested. You might think of yoga as bendy people doing headstands, but there is much more to it than that. I haven’t done anything close to a headstand for years! Studies have shown that yoga can be really beneficial in helping to reduce and manage stress and in improving mood. For example, taking a few long, slow breaths can change how you feel in a matter of moments. Or moving your body, maybe with some stretches, can help you get out of your head and calm down a busy mind.
'I know looking after yourself can feel overwhelming, another thing on the to-do list, but little actions add up to big change. Taking five minutes a day to relax can make all the difference.'
norfolkyogatherapy.co.uk
Get creative
Wellness isn't always about chanting mantras - it's about finding what works for you, says Tara Galvin, of The Ash Tree, a beautiful yurt in Norwich where wellbeing workshops are held.
Tara is a creative mental health practitioner, who specialises in holistic healing through eco art.
'Some people may not see themselves as creative, but we are creative in every moment of our lives,' says Tara, 'whether you are creating a family, a home, or dreaming.
'Immersing yourself in nature works wonders for your wellbeing and eco art is a hands-on experience that reconnects you with the world around you, tapping into your creativity while reducing stress and anxieties. Think leaf painting, sculpting with clay, willow weaving or creating natural collages. Even if you don't know a paintbrush from a toothbrush, eco art is for all.'
Follow on Instagram @the_ash_tree
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