Don’t stop going outside when it gets dark

Just because it is cold and muddy outside, don’t let that put you off spending time outdoors.  Research claims that one in three people in the UK suffer from seasonal affective disorder and low mood during the winter months, but Forestry England and experts from the Royal College of Psychiatrists say that engaging with nature in the winter can actually help to avoid the winter blues.  Studies have shown that visiting forests can provide a wealth of social, mental and physical health benefits. They include stimulating the mind, staying active longer, boosting the immune system, improving cognitive function and mood, improving children’s happiness, stimulating the senses, and reducing the possibility of poor mental health.

Find out more on the Forestry England website. And find lots of ideas of places in Devon to visit here on the Explore Devon website.