It goes without saying that nature and wellbeing go hand in hand. Time and time again, nature has been shown to have an irreplaceable impact on both our mental and physical health.
Almost nine out of ten UK adults (87%) say that access to nature is important for their physical and mental wellbeing, according to a study by Aviva. Some studies even suggest that individuals who regularly engage with nature experience up to 20% less anxiety and/or depression.
An appreciation of nature through art has existed for centuries. Famous works such as The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, Monet’s Water Lilies, and Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa — among many others — showcase natural landscapes and reflect the deep emotional connection between humans and the environment. These artworks often focus on nature’s beauty, movement and its ability to evoke calm, wonder and reflection.
Writers too have, for centuries, used words to try to capture the connection between the natural world and the human experience, such as the poet William Wordsworth who wrote on themes such as love and loss inspired by his home in the Lake District, and author Helen McDonald’s poignant book H is for Hawk which explores grief through a combination of memoir, story and nature writings.
However, despite our innate relationship with nature, it can be difficult in today’s fast-paced world to slow down and truly connect with it — particularly during the colder, darker months.
Water Lilies by Claude Monet
Writing as a pathway to connection
Our Bristol Wellbeing College runs free creative workshops for adults in Bristol where we invite participants to reconnect with their creative side and explore their world through the written word. During times when we may feel stuck, isolated or disconnected, writing can provide a powerful platform for expression, reflection and shared experience. It offers a sense of freedom, connection and understanding — both with ourselves and with others.
As part of our workshops, we explore the positive impact that nature can have on our mood and wellbeing, using creative writing as a tool to pause, observe and reflect.
NATURE — A collaborative poem
Nurturing mother, holds us close, calming.
Acorns rooting in the soil, growing day by day.
The leaves are turning golden; everything is in flux.
Under the stars, I am a microscopic living organism, part of the balance of the universe.
Rustling autumn leaves falling at my feet — brown, gold and red.
Everything is more beautiful when you pause.
This poem, written by one of our learners, is a reminder of the importance of appreciating the nature that is available to us — noticing even the smallest details and allowing ourselves the time to slow down and reflect.
Join Our Writing Workshops
To learn more about how you can connect more deeply with nature, join us for one (or all) of our wellbeing writing workshops.
Find out more and book here on our website.
About our Wellbeing Colleges
Our Wellbeing Colleges deliver free courses and workshops across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset (BaNES), Swindon and Wiltshire to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing and connect with new people.
View our Wellbeing Colleges and find mental health courses local to you here.
Banner image: Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh