In this article, you'll learn the following:
Just like physical health, your mental health needs regular nurturing and care to keep you healthy and happy. Luckily, there are many ways you can boost your mood, and getting outdoors is one of the best options to improve your mental health.
Nature is completely free to enjoy, so if you’re trying to save the pennies you can still take care of your mind. With this in mind, here are some of the best activities to improve your mood and mental health, all of which are inexpensive and easy to get to.
Walks and hikes
There’s nothing more rewarding than going for a walk, and this gentle form of exercise is great for both your physical and mental health. The best thing about a walk is that it can be whatever you want it to be, whether you like a challenge or prefer more of a relaxing stroll.
A simple journey around your hometown should do the trick – but if you fancy going somewhere new, there are plenty of fantastic walks in the South West, ranging from short to long trails. Head to Thames Path or Windsor Park for a scenic summer walk, or visit Haldon Forest. Alternatively, head to the seaside to embark on a picturesque coastal walk that will send spirits soaring.
If city walks are more your thing, why not sign up for a free self-guided London walk? It’s a great way to learn more about England’s capital while getting in your steps and breathing in some fresh air.
Outdoor yoga
Exercise and mental health go hand in hand, and yoga is one of the top stress-relieving activities. Combining slow, calming breathing techniques with gentle movements and balances, it’s ideal for those just getting back into exercise. Over time your body will start to become more toned, and many people report an improvement in their mood and a reduction in anxiety.
You can take part in yoga online from your home, or you may want to attend an outdoor class when the weather is nice. Park Yoga is a charity that offers free outdoor yoga classes across the South West England, every Sunday from 07 May 2023 to 17 September 2023. The sessions are for people of all ages and abilities, so everyone is welcome. Find your nearest Park Yoga venue.
Sometimes, a relaxing pamper session is the best way to make you feel good. If you’re overdue some luxury ‘me time’, take a look at the best wellness retreats in the South West.
Picnic outdoors
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Nothing beats a picnic outdoors, when the sun is shining and the smell of freshly mown grass lingers in the air. From castle backdrops to blooming gardens, there are plenty of fantastic picnic spots on our network to choose from. So why not stock up on delicious picnic snacks, create a bucket list of your favourite places and see how many you can tick off? Some of our top spots include:
- Primrose Hill, London
- Exbury Gardens, New Forest
- Purbeck Hills, with magnificent views of Corfe Castle
- Richmond Park, London
- The Blue Pool on the Furzebrook Estate, near Wareham
- St Catherine's Hill, Winchester
- Kew Gardens, London
Running
If you prefer something a little more fast-paced, it’s time to get your running shoes on. Going for a run is scientifically proven to improve your heart and lung health. Plus, it does wonders for your mood and self-confidence.
The beauty of running is that it can be done anywhere, from your hometown to the gym. But nothing quite beats the feeling of running through a lush, green park, where you’re surrounded by gorgeous scenery and other motivated runners. There are many parks and national parks around London and the South West, many of which have paths and dedicated running tracks. So why not hop on a train and go somewhere different for your next run?
If you need a little motivation, join a free event like parkrun. Taking place every Saturday morning at hundreds of locations across the UK, this community event is essentially an informal marathon, where all ages and abilities are welcome.
Bike ride
Cycling is a great way to stay in shape, boost your mental health and spend more time outdoors. There are plenty of bike trails to choose from, whether you prefer a city loop or like to be out in the wilderness. Find out more about taking your bike on the train, then discover some of the top bike trails on our network:
Big Ben to Richmond Park loop – a challenging, 24-mile cycle through London’s dramatic cityscape.
Exe Trail – an intermediate trail running from Exmouth to Exeter, following the River Exe Estuary.
Battersea Park to Greenwich – an intermediate, 10-mile cycle down quiet roads, with impressive views of Battersea Power Station.
Rodwell Trail – a casual trail running 2.17 miles from Weymouth to Portland Railway, following a disused passenger railway line.
Tennis
If you find solitary exercise boring, a bit of friendly competition in a match setting may be just what you need. Tennis has all the health benefits you’d expect from a workout, including increased self-confidence and lowered stress levels.
So, grab your workout buddy, pick up your tennis rackets and head to an outdoor tennis court. There are plenty to choose from, and London in particular is home to some of the best tennis courts. On a budget? No problem. You can find many free, dedicated areas to set up a game in and around London. These include Southwark Park, Bermondsey; Dulwich Park, Dulwich; Cheam Recreation Ground, Surrey and Ropemaker's Fields, Limehouse.
Swimming
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Swimming is a relaxing exercise that can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter your fitness level. Your local leisure centre is a great place to practice your stroke, but for a more memorable experience, why not try wild swimming? This involves taking a dip in a natural pool of water, such as a pond, river or lake.
The most important thing is safety; you’ll need to ensure the water is clean and free from underwater weeds, currents, or anything else that may impact your swimming. There are many free and low-cost spots for wild swimming around London and the South West. Here are some of our top picks:
- Hampstead Ponds
- Shepperton Open Water Swim
- Serpentine Lake
- London Royal Docks
- King's Cross Pond Club
If swimming pools are more your thing, discover the top lidos in the South West.
Camping
Camping provides a range of benefits, such as relationship building, learning new skills and connecting with nature. But one of the biggest mood-boosters is the little-to-no screen time camping provides. For many people, camping is the one time you have no choice but to leave technology behind. Without screens as a distraction, your stress levels will decrease and you’ll be more present in the moment.
There are many scenic camping spots across the South West, with some of our favourites being Burnbake near Corfe Castle, Trill on the Hill in Axminster and Rosewall Camping in Weymouth. Wild camping is a great low-cost option, as you only need a tent and some sleeping bags. Just make sure you follow the Countryside Code and always do your research on areas you plan to camp in.
Journey with South Western Railway
No matter what and where you choose to boost your mood, the South Western Railway service can help you reach your destination. Discover cheap train tickets to your nearest pool, tennis courts, park or cycle route by going off-peak. Passengers with a Railcard could save even more, and those travelling in a group could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.
