M2C Vision
To inspire engagement with nature to support positive physical and mental well-being.
The benefits of engaging with physical activity in nature
At M2C, we’re passionate about the outdoors and the positive outcomes that can be achieved through nature. Recent research from a range of sources is reinforcing the importance of doing physical activity in the natural outdoor environment. Going for a walk, wandering through fields and trees, climbing or scrambling, they all help to achieve so many benefits for physical and mental wellbeing. Moreover, fitness is proven to reduce stress and anxiety also enabling a calmer state in which to focus on the important things in life.
When these type of natural activities are combined with our bespoke active experiences we are confident the outcomes will be to :
- Develop self-confidence and grow resilience
- Develop a sense of personal achievement and self-worth
- Reduce social isolation by facilitating interaction and making friends
- Develop confidence to become more involved with other aspects of communities or workplaces
- Build habits that will improve cognitive function and attention span by re-establishing a connection with the natural environment
- Have a positive impact on both physical and mental health
- Begin to see things more clearly in other aspects of live
- Feel more in control
Evidence-based research is increasingly emphasising the need to get active and be out in nature.
Adult health and wellbeing
Even pre-Covid19, about four in 10 British adults were so immobile that they were putting their long-term health at risk. Indicators show that this trend is not improving and people need to alter their habits to incorporate more physical activity.
(Sport England Active Lives Survey 2019-20).
Child health and wellbeing
Almost 80% of children fail to carry out the hour a day of movement seen as vital to develop and maintain prime young cardiovascular systems and lay down bone density. Lockdowns and changes in schooling and social mixing means that many children are having even less exercise than previously.
(Sport England Active Lives Survey 2019-20).
Humans have evolved from being highly active as an essential part of their everyday lives to the situation they now face, less mobile and often perceiving that the amount and type of activity they do is sufficient. We need to help people of all ages to change their habits so that carrying out physical activity outdoors, in nature, becomes an integral part of their lives.
(In Praise of Walking 2020)
Spending time in the natural environment improves our mental health and feelings of well-being. It can reduce stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression. It can help boost immune systems, encourage physical activity and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as asthma.
(Nature & Mental Health, Mind 2018)
FURTHER READING
IN PRAISE OF WALKING
There are significant scientific studies that point out the benefits of walking and being active in nature but one source that we found really insightful was this book:
‘In Praise of Walking’ by Shane O’Mara
O’Mara is a professor of experimental brain research: stress, depression and anxiety; and learning, memory and cognition. His research uses neuroscience evidence to support walking as a vital activity to address many current issues facing people.
Put simply his findings can be summarised as – Walking makes us healthier, happier and brainier.
Our human brain evolved to support movement and, therefore, if we stop moving about, it won’t work as well.
Today’s lifestyles, where the need to walk and be active have been largely removed or minimised, aren’t good for our physical, mental or cognitive health.
