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Boost your mental wellbeing with a little walk around Richmond Park


Credit: Georgie Barlow

A recent study published in a Guardian article has highlighted that an increased access to nature could reduce depression and obesity.

The European commission literature review analysed the links between nature-related outcomes and deprivation to show a positive correlation between them.

While studies show evidence, it is important Kingston students keep this on board to ensure they have happy and healthy mind and bodies.

Credit: Georgie Barlow

A Kingston University drama student, Georgie Barlow, said: “As a student, it’s normal to feel a little depressed and stressed from time to time. If this happens to me I sometimes go for a walk alone or with my friends around Richmond Park.”

Barlow also added: “I think students living in Kingston don’t appreciate what a nice area it is in terms of nature, especially being on the River Thames as well. It’s so peaceful and means I get some good exercise if I just go for a walk.”

The paper also described nature to be an under-recognised healer and the NHS have said that being active is one of the five steps to having a good mental wellbeing.

Credit: Georgie Barlow

The other five steps to having a good mental wellbeing include connecting, being mindful and continuing to learn, where evidence suggests people can be in control of their own mental health and make themselves feel more positive.

A professor for public health at the University of Warwick, Sarah Stewart-Brown, said on the NHS website that “No-one can give wellbeing to you. It’s you who has to take action.”

With this in mind, we want to encourage Kingston University students to be as active outside as possible to boost mental wellbeing.

Lydia Arnold, a fashion student at Kingston University, described how she using walking to relieve stress during her time at university on a day-to-day basis and as part of breaks while doing long coursework sessions.

“I feel it just overall helps with my mindfulness, being cramped in a room doing work makes me feel more stressed and depressed about doing work so getting out and appreciating the nature around you is a good stress-reliever. Kingston is the perfect place for it.”

Furthermore, other nature areas can be found around Kingston which should not be dismissed such as the outdoor gym equipment in the Long Ditton recreational park on Windmill Lane, Surbiton.

Arnold added: “I know quite a lot of my friends who go to the park and use the outdoor equipment, and many of them much prefer it to indoor gyms as it’s different.”

With the exam period looming and nights getting brighter it’s a perfect time to have a little stroll around Richmond Park or on the Thames Riverside which are both accessible by the KU bus service.

Let us know what you think by emailing imnotfineku@gmail.com and if you agree that an increased access to nature helps with mental wellbeing.

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