Naturally Healthy May Offers A Natural Break from Studying and Learning

As exam season approaches, it can be normal for young people, and anyone who supports them, to experience some moments of anxiety and uncertainty. There's widespread recognition that taking a break and being active in nature can help reduce these feelings for everyone. Being in a natural environment allows the body to relax, rejuvenating the mind and enhancing concentration and focus when it's most crucial, helping us to feel healthier and happier.

This May, the Naturally Healthy campaign, led by Active Devon and Devon County Council on behalf of the Devon Local Nature Partnership, has been exploring whether taking part in outdoor activity impacts mood and whether it offers a healthy way to unwind before, during and after studying or learning, and has created some resources to help everyone enjoy the benefit of being outdoors.

Dr Rebecca Lovell from Exeter University said: "In Devon and across the nation, young people are gearing up to take exams this May, grappling with uncertainty about their outcomes and their paths ahead. Recognising the important advantages of outdoor activities, now presents an opportune moment to advocate for young individuals to step outdoors, alleviating some of the stress they're experiencing."

Surveys consistently show that spending time in nature leads to increased relaxation, happiness, and reduced stress levels. After a day of learning, revision or exam-focused concentration, taking time outdoors can provide much-needed relief and rejuvenation.

Deputy head, Andrew Maker from Mill Water School, Bicton, East Budleigh explains the importance of outdoor space for pupils: “The benefits of being outside are huge for Mill Water pupils. It helps them regulate themselves and provides a space to explore. Often, they have greater motivation accessing activities in nature (than in the classroom) and this helps with extending their learning.

“At Mill Water, we offer a variety of activities ranging from those that are fully immersed in nature - such as gardening, apple picking and bird watching, to sports related activities - such as Cycling/Triking, Ball Games and outdoor play spaces. Pupils like the freedom of movement and choice they have outdoors and will gravitate towards their preferred activity.

”At Mill Water we are fortunate that we have an orchard on the school premises. This provides pupils with opportunity to access a designated nature space regularly during the week. For pupils seeking a wider exploration of the outdoors we have the Bicton Grounds adjoined to the school; this allows pupils to see other aspects of nature such as agriculture, wildlife and trees/plants that exist only in these grounds.”

Pupils from the school were asked to share why they like to be in nature and commented, ‘I like listening to birds’, ‘it's peace and quiet’, ‘I like walking outdoors and seeing nature’, ‘it's nice having fresh air’, ‘we can do lots of composting outside’ and ‘I like running around in nature’.

Nicola and Lottie who are in Year 10 and attend Pilton Community College, Barnstaple explained why being more active outdoors works for them: “We are really passionate about walking as it allows us to have fun experiences with others. It’s nice to walk and chat and have a break from our studies. It’s also good to be outdoors and getting fresh air.”

To encourage everyone to be more active in nature, whether you are learning, studying for an exam or just in need of a break from work or your daily routine, a number of resources including details of activities and events taking place across Devon and nature ‘spotter’ sheets have been created and can be accessed for free on the Active Devon website to help you enjoy your time outdoors this #NaturallyHealthyMay.

Visit https://activedevon.org/naturally-healthy/ for more information.