Have you been feeling stressed? With the hustle and bustle of life it can be hard to remember to make time for yourself and your own wellbeing. April is Stress Awareness Month, and with spring in full swing, it’s a great time to get outside and combat those stressful feelings with some of nature’s gifts.

1. Forest bathing

Not heard of forest bathing before? This concept was introduced by the Japanese Government in the 1980s to get people out into nature for health benefits.

Learn more here: https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/forest-bathing#:~:text=Forest%….

Want to give it a try? Our Wild Wellbeing Lead is delivering free Forest Bathing sessions on the last Friday afternoon of each month at Burton Centenary Woodland. You can book on here:
 

2. Notice wildflowers

Next month the Wildlife Trusts are asking people to #GrowDontMow their lawns and gardens. You might be surprised at the beautiful flowers you get to see if you just let go of the stress of keeping a picture perfect lawn.

There’s lots more information about wildflowers at the link below, but you don't have to know their names to enjoy them! Wildflowers are great for our wellbeing, as well as pollinators like bees, moths, and butterflies.
https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers
 

3. Listen to birdsong
International Dawn Chorus Day is Sunday 7th May this year – a day to celebrate nature’s greatest symphony. Keep an eye out for events across the county, or simply open your window and have a listen in the peaceful hours of the morning.
 

4. Feel the sun  
Britain isn't exactly renowned for its sunny days, but that makes them all the more special. When they do appear amongst the pockets of spring showers, be sure to spend some time outside to reap the benefits extra energy and Vitamin D.
 

5. Bring the outdoors in
Throw those curtains wide and see what wildlife is visible. Open up a window and listen to the breeze, birdsong, or the pitter patter of rain drops. Fresh air is invigorating and good for us, even if we can’t be outside we can invite a little bit of the outdoors in. Do you spend a lot of time in a school or office near a window? Why not see how you can decorate with a little something for wildlife. A flower box with blooms can bring in more lovely scents of spring and a little bit of cheer.
 

6. Walking meetings
Can the meeting be done outside? Well what are you waiting for then! We're big fans of walking meetings, but it's easy when you work on or near a nature reserve. Not every meeting will be appropriate for an outdoor walk, but aim to schedule them in where you can. You can walk neighbourhood streets, at a local park, or take a trip to a reserve local to you. Find out about your closest Staffordshire reserves here: https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/explore/our-nature-reserves
 

7. Keep a journal
Nature journaling is such a restorative practice, and it can be done alone or socially with family and friends. Even if it's just jotting thoughts on paper, it somehow feels like you've achieved something at the end of each sentence, paragraph, and page. I highly recommend John Muir Laws for hints and tips:
https://johnmuirlaws.com/nature-journaling-starting-growing/#:~:text=Na….
 

8. Spend time in the garden  
New to gardening? We advise starting small. Pick one plant, or one type of bird seed and focus on that. Or don’t! Sometimes it’s just nice to potter about with a cuppa in hand while you look at your garden. If you’re looking to dig a little deeper though, our HQ's lovely neighbours at Wolseley Bridge Garden Centre can surely offer you some advice if you find your thumbs aren't as green as you'd hope. And we've got plenty of birdseed for sale at our visitor centres and charity shops.
 

9. Be social
Our visitor centres are a great place to catch up with friends over a coffee: https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/explore/our-visitor-centres. Or pack a flask and share your favourite wild place with your loved ones.
 

10. Find joy in wildlife
What joyful thing have you noticed today? A stream or river? The sunrise? Perhaps the sound of children playing outside? Note it down and share your joy with us! Here are some of the places you can find us online:

@StaffsWildlife on Twitter

@StaffsWildlife on Facebook

@staffswt on Instagram

@staffswildlifetrust on TikTok 

@staffordshire-wildlife-trust on LinkedIn