Well-Being through the Outdoors

For those of us who spend lots of time in the outdoors, we know how these adventures and experiences make us feel. The positive emotions from sitting on the summit of a hill looking out at the view, all help us to feel good about ourselves. In the outdoors there is a lot going on to help stimulate the mind, body and soul.

The recent social distancing and travel restrictions due to Covid-19 have challenged our ‘normal’ and we have all had to come up with ways to look after our personal well-being and mental health. We have all seen people out in the garden, reading, making stuff (food or crafts) or just taking the time to sit and listen to the world around us.

The team here at Cappanalea NCOET have had to adapt too. For us, taking part in our sports was part of our everyday health regimen. As a result, between us we are now gardening including growing food, carving wooden items, observing and listening to nature amongst many things.

With this in mind, the Centre staff have developed a day long programme full of ideas and activities put together to help to keep our mental health and well-being in good shape. The day is built around time in small groups, time to ourselves, being active, taking part in some of the sports and being reflective and spending time in nature. Food is prepared around the fire and the meal is shared together in a log cabin in the woods.

“the role the outdoors can play in helping to maintain good mental health and be used as a means of getting away from the busy everyday life.”
– Visitor testimonial

Further information on this day can be found on the website or from the office on 0669769244 or info@cappanalea.ie