Wellness Wednesday at London Wetland Centre
Visitors can sample mental health benefits of urban wetlands as part of World Mental Health Day 2022
October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a day that provides an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health challenges and rally support of mental health care.
We believe wetlands have a unique role to play in supporting people’s physical and mental health. At London Wetland Centre, we see first-hand how engagement with urban wetlands contribute to the wellbeing of city dwellers and visitors from afar.
To mark World Mental Health Day 2022, here are some insights into wetlands’ impact on wellbeing, and how you can take advantage of our tranquil facilities.
1. Ten minutes are all you need
In a 2020 study conducted at London Wetland Centre (Link here), researchers used a combination of wearable technology and qualitative questionnaires to assess participants’ mood in 3 different settings: wetland, urban and indoor.
The study showed that just 10 minutes in urban wetlands was sufficient to lead to positive changes to wellbeing, and the benefits are likely to be greater for those who consider themselves more stressed.
2. You can sample the benefits of urban wetlands on "Wellbeing Wednesdays”
The results highlight the role of urban wetlands as a cost-effective health intervention to stop and reduce stress, in addition to their immense ecological benefits. However, access to nature – and wetlands – is very unequal in the UK, with few wetlands easily accessible.
At London Wetland Centre, we are making our facilities more accessible to mark this year’s World Mental Health Day. Throughout October, we are offering half price admission every Wednesday to help raise awareness of the benefits of being in nature.
Tapping into the “Wellbeing Wednesday” concept embraced by many businesses, we are also encouraging local employers to allow staff to take some time out during their work day and de-stress at the wetlands.
London Wetland Centre is here to help, and you can contribute, too. By simply visiting London Wetland Centre and other WWT locations as a day visitor or an annual member, buying food and drinks from the café, and shopping for gifts at the well-stocked gift shop, your money goes directly towards protecting urban wetlands and funding research.
