It’s no secret spending time outdoors offers a tremendous amount of health benefits. Not only does it improve general fitness, but it also helps to clear the mind. Being in the fresh air, surrounded by nature, can make even the darkest of times seem better, which is why more than two-thirds of Brits choose to do it.
Many ‘in the know’ have stated that mental health problems are a ticking time bomb. There’s no mystery as to why, given the amount of negative, sensationalised news media being pushed in front of people’s faces, coupled with a massive rise in living costs, climate change and global politics. According to newly conducted research, nearly half of Brits are now experiencing challenges to their mental health at least once a week. However, there is a straightforward way to help improve one’s mental health, and that is to head outdoors.
When it comes to anything to do with the outdoors, there are few more prominent names than GO Outdoors, the retail chain that specialises in equipment to make one’s forays safer and more enjoyable. In collaboration with the charity, Mind, Go Outdoors has conducted research into what are the main factors that are impacting people’s mental health in the UK.
The report found that the current cost of living crisis was a major reason, with 36% of participants stating this, followed by relationship issues at 14% and work pressures at 13% being other significant factors.
When finding solutions for this, over two-thirds of Brits (65%) claim that physical exercise and spending time outdoors has a positive impact, with one in four (25%) saying they prefer exercising outdoors as it’s cheaper than the gym.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to addressing the increasing mental health issues facing the world. However, there is a common thread. The research results found that more than two-thirds of Brits used physical exercise and spending time in the fresh air as ways to positively impact their mental health, with one in four stating their preference was for the outdoors as it is far less costly compared to a gym or health club.
Another interesting point in the research is that as a nation, Brits find it difficult to get outside, with one in five going outside only once a week for exercise or other outdoor activities. One reason cited for this is the traditionally poor British weather.
To help them to increase awareness for the charity hats, the outdoor specialists have enlisted the help of Julia Bradbury, Sean Fletcher, Helen Skelton and the former England goalkeeper, David Seaman.
Go Outdoors wants to help people who are experiencing mental health challenges, particularly with the country facing what is likely to be a very challenging winter. The company has designed and released a new range of hats, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Mind Charity.
The hats, which have their own hashtag, #HatsOnForMind, will be exclusively available to purchase from Go Outdoors, Millets, Blacks and Fishing Republic.
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