As part of a new series of articles, we’ll be exploring how to deepen our connection with the world around us, and embrace the seasonal gifts nature has to offer. So, first let’s set foot into a winter wonderland…

Wrapped in my dressing gown, I pad out on to my front step, into the biting cold darkness of the morning, and listen to the quiet. There is the occasional rumble of a car driving down the nearby dual carriageway, and the twitter of birds waking up, their song abrading the dawn. It is peaceful, tranquil, and I stare down my suburban street, at the orbs of streetlights and the rows of houses where some are still asleep, while others’ windows glow as people make their breakfasts and prepare for another winter’s day.

Despite the often hectic weeks around Christmas and New Year, there is a sense of quiet during winter. Beyond festive parties and presents, this is the perfect time to reflect, and take stock of our lives.

Most of us are familiar with the idea that nature is beneficial to our physical and mental health. But for many, it isn’t entwined in our days. For me, that’s definitely the case. When I go for a hike or spend time in my garden, my mood is lifted, but I don’t do this enough. So, what can I do to increase my connection with nature?

I’ve experienced serious mental health issues in the past – five years ago, I was in hospital, struggling with severe depression. And while low mood and anxiety are still a part of my life, I have moved on a long way since then. Doing things like connecting with nature to benefit my wellbeing seems particularly important as I try to move forwards and reclaim myself.

Can a year of living more seasonally help?

The Wheel of the Year

Observing how nature shifts with the seasons is a joy. Though the skeletal trees may make us think of winter as a time of lack, there is so much happening beneath the surface as the northern hemisphere prepares for spring.

I’m drawn to the idea of the Wheel of the Year, which is how some neo-pagans mark the changing seasons through the observation of eight sabbats spread throughout the year.

From Yule, otherwise known as the winter solstice, on 21 December, the hours of daylight begin to increase, as each day lengthens little by little. This year, I am getting up to watch the sunrise on the solstice – something I have always wanted to do. Clutching a flask of coffee as the sun emerges on the horizon, this will be a chance to reflect on the past year, and set intentions for what I want the next to bring, my hopes expanding as the daily sunlight waxes.

Imbolc is a sabbat marked on 1 February, and celebrates the stirrings of spring. We can plant seeds and think about our hopes growing. I will light a candle and reflect on how the daylight is increasing, and what I need to do to make those intentions I set at Yule become a reality. These little rituals are a way of working with nature, of thinking about how it relates to our lives.

Learning about nature

Learning about nature is also a great way for us to connect with it more. I’m lucky to have a park near where I live where I often go to walk and feed the birds. There is a joy to knowing the breed of each goose I throw seeds to. Lots of beautiful Canada geese are he

Get into the seasonal spirit by trying your hand at making a budget-friendly, nature-inspired wreath

Whether you’re looking to carve out a mindful moment in the day for yourself, or for a fun activity to keep all the family entertained, and spend some quality time together, wreath-making can be a fantastic way to celebrate the holidays.

But getting crafty isn’t just a fun pastime; getting creative, regardless of what medium you explore, has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve self-confidence. Plus, you have the added sense of achievement from creating something from scratch, which can be all the more meaningful, too.

When it comes to wreath-making in particular, you can put your own take on a traditional activity, and work to a budget by finding natural, free elements to include from your own garden, which can make it a great way to engage kids without breaking the bank over the holidays. But one key note is to always be responsible – ensure you pick items from your own garden, public spaces, or have permission if on private property – and take only what you need to avoid waste.

The good news is that, while most commonly associated with the Christmas period, wreaths can be a wonderful addition to brighten up your home throughout the year – changing colours and natural elements with the seasons. So, if you love taking your hand to wreath-making this winter, it can be something to look forward to again come spring – be-wreath me, it’ll be here before you know it!

Make your own wreath

Before you get crafty, take a stroll outside to collect some seasonal treasures. This could be anything from pinecones to berry sprigs, acorns, leaves, or scraps of bark to decorate your wreath.

Depending on how much you find, or the look you want to go for, you could create a classic, full wreath, bursting with greenery, or you might want a more minimalist take and decorate just a portion of the wreath, leaving the twisted willow base on display.

Plus, if you’re struggling to find decorative elements out in nature, don’t worry. You could always hang some spare baubles instead of using pinecones, for a fun pop of colour.

Method:

1. To begin, you’ll need a wreath base – you can buy these pre-made from stores like Hobbycraft, which are usually created from wire or rattan, and cost less than £5. Alternatively, you could craft your own by repurposing materials from around your home, or twisting together willow or vines – anything that you can turn into a makeshift hoop to form the base of your design.

2. Take your choice of ribbon, string, or florist wire, and thread this through a section of the wreath to create a loop you can hang it up from. Wherever you create this loop will form the top of your design, so keep this in mind moving forwards.

3. A good first element is moss, which you can secure using more florist wire. This can help add some dimension as you layer other items on top, and can disguise the bas

Get green-fingered with these seven simple steps to create your own sensational succulent bowl at home

Bring the splendour of nature indoors with your own special succulent bowl. Known for their robustness, succulents can be a great choice for novice gardeners or those wanting a plant with minimal upkeep. Plus, in general, increasing the greenery in your home helps to purify the air inside, as well as helping to balance humidity – particularly helpful over the winter when you might be more likely to struggle with colds and sore throats.

So, whether you’re looking for a mindful activity to deliver ongoing wellbeing benefits, or simply a beautiful ‘green’ decoration for your home, here are seven easy steps to create your own succulent bowl...

1. Select your succulents

With a wide variety of shapes and sizes available, mix and match a range that appeals to you. You might want to try a ‘flaming Katy’ for a spot of colour, or a ‘string of pearls’ for an added dimension, with its trailing leaves.

2. Prepare your pot

Choose a container that catches your eye – perhaps a terracotta bowl or a terrarium – and fill it with potting soil (ideally one with sand or perlite to assist with drainage). Since succulents originate in harsh, arid conditions, they will need a desert-dweller mix to really help them thrive.

3. Release the roots

When taking your plants from their individual pots, tease the roots apart if they’re compacting too tightly. This ensures your freshly potted plant can start to spread its roots almost immediately, soaking up any moisture it needs.

4. Start your planting

Dig a hole towards the middle of the bowl to house your tallest succulent, and place it in, securing with the earth.

5. Plan some breathing space

As tempting as it is to pack your plants in, ensure you leave room for each to spread out as it grows. Succulents grow really quickly, so your little creation will look ‘finished’ in no time, but overcrowding can lead to mould or insect infestations, so it’s important to let them breathe.

6. Water immediately

This ensures you get rid of any air pockets around the roots, and gives them a much-needed drink after being repotted. Going forwards, water your succulents when the soil feels dry to the touch – if it’s still damp, give it some more time to dry out.

7. Seek out some sun

Succulents are sun-worshippers, so try to place your bowl somewhere that gets a decent amount of sunlight each day – ideally six to eight hours. Then, simply enjoy watching them grow!

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re reeling off therapeutic activities, but fishing is making a splash in the wellness space. Here, we meet the people and organisations that have discovered something very special lurking just below the waterline

No, this isn’t clickbait: fishing really can improve your mental health, according to patients and experts, and last year it was officially employed by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust as a way to combat depression and anxiety.

When I first heard about the benefits of fishing to mental health in 2017, I decided to try it for myself. I took my first trip fly fishing just outside Edinburgh on a drizzly November day. I went with community psychiatric nurse Mike Wynne, and his friend and patient, Brian, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia – just like me at the time. It was so relaxing being outside, even on a damp November day in Scotland. I became a convert, but no expert angler, and had to eagerly wait for my next invitation to go again.

So, I was exceptionally lucky when a few years later, in 2019, I met Paul, my boyfriend, and he invited me to go carp fishing in Staffordshire, where we both live. This time, we went in the summer, and with the sun shimmering over the misty pool, I had a very pleasant and equally relaxing time. I even caught a carp and some small tench this time. Fishing reminds me of meditation, but more exhilarating – a catch is exciting, and the surroundings of the lake and countryside both idyllic and peaceful.

According to scientist Thomas Warre, in a paper published by Get Hooked On Fishing and supported by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the benefits of angling can make a unique contribution to a person’s wellbeing, involving therapeutic engagement with nature and green-blue spaces, and having a positive effect on a person’s subjective happiness, satisfaction, relaxation levels, and overall emotional wellbeing.

One early adopter of fishing as a therapy is Growthpoint Project Coordinator, Geoff Yardley, who was utilising the practise as early as 2014 on the NHS in North Staffordshire. He tells me: “Fishing therapy is great as it takes place in the fresh air, usually in a beautiful, inspiring location. It’s super relaxing, and can be both a solitary and a social activity – allowing space to think, and time to socialise. Having a common interest can lead to facinating conversations with fellow fishermen, and raises an interest in patients in nature, and the great outdoors. It’s cheap to start up, and inexpensive to attend a pool or the sea, and also provides opportunities to see new places. You could join a club with others who share the same interests. I love it, and so do my patients who come along!”

Mike, the community psychiatric nurse from my first trip, agrees: “Having fished since I was around 10 years old, I have always found it to somehow transport me to a tranquil place where my senses are solely focused on the water, whether on a river, reservoir, or at sea. I’m sure it’s the attraction and sound of the

Seasonal affective disorder, low mood and depression associated with autumn and winter, can make the months ahead challenging, so learn how to spot the early signs

Summer came to a sudden end this year, bringing with it grey clouds, cool spells, and plenty of rain. Of course, after the heat we experienced in July and August, a drop in temperature is perhaps welcomed, but as we set our sights on the challenges this particular winter season is due to bring, it’s fair to say that the promise of cosy winter days in, curled up with hot drinks, isn’t quite cutting it.

Adding onto that, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects approximately two million people in the UK and 12 million people across Europe, the NHS reports. Sometimes called ‘winter blues’, SAD is categorised as a drop in mood and energy prompted by darker, winter weather. It runs across a wide spectrum. For some, it’s mild, for others it can lead to depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, and low self-esteem.

There are a number of treatment avenues available, from so-called ‘SAD lamps’ to medication. And if you think you’re experiencing it, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP or a mental health professional.

As we’re just tipping over into the autumn and winter months, learn the early signs of SAD, so that you can take action before it settles in.

1. You can trace your feelings

If you’ve started to feel low, can you trace when those feelings began, or when they intensified? Was it with the change of the seasons?

You might also want to think back over the years. In general, are there any patterns that you can pick out? Do you often struggle with a certain time of year, and does that time come with additional challenges (for example, a stressful period at work, difficult dates following bereavement, etc.), or is the common theme the weather?

It might be worth starting a record of your low mood, as you might find that it’s boosted on periodic sunny days, which might be a sign that you’re experiencing SAD.

2. Easy tasks start feeling harder

It feels as though, all of a sudden, the things you used to be able to do with ease take a lot more effort, and you’re feeling the brunt of it. Perhaps it’s at work, where getting through to the end of the day feels like a massive chore, or around the home where the things that you used to quickly tick off your to-do list now sit there undone.

When we’re struggling with our mental health, performing to our full capacity is easier said than done, and it can take a lot more out of us to do the things that once came easily.

3. Your sleep is disrupted

A common side effect of SAD, our sleep patterns tell us a lot about our overall wellbeing. Have you noticed that your sleep hasn’t been quite the same since the weather changed? It could be that you’re waking up in the mi