It’s okay to not be okay – men’s health and wellbeing and the benefits of National Parks

June 12, 2025

Trigger warning: This article includes mention of suicide

To mark Men’s Health Week, we’re focusing on the benefits of getting out into nature for the guys.

A wide body of research shows that lots of men still struggle to talk about their health – and mental health in particular.

Men’s Health Week takes places in June every year and is all about breaking down social stigmas and encouraging men to take charge of their health.

The need to raise awareness is profound. Four in five suicides are by men, with suicide the biggest cause of death for men under 35. Around 50 per cent of men in the UK say they have struggled with mental health difficulties, but a much lower percentage have sought support.

According to BUPA, a third of men surveyed said they wouldn’t know where to turn to for advice and support.

It’s a complex issue and National Parks don’t have all the answers, but we do know that getting outside and connecting with nature can do wonders for both mental and physical health.

National Parks are the natural health service and growing research shows that spending time in green, nature-rich places is where the brain performs best. It reduces stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system and you’ll benefit from a flood of feel-good endorphins like serotonin.

A personal journey to wellness

Here Andy, an Assistant Ranger for the South Downs National Park, shares his own experience:

Having graduated from my degree in Conservation Biology I then ended up, intentionally or otherwise, working for myself as a freelance photographer.

This came with its benefits, and I did this for a number of years whilst living in London, but ultimately it wasn’t for me, then Covid arrived and put the brakes on the business completely.

This pushed me to the decision to move out of London and try to pursue the career I had originally intended for myself. Changing my career and choosing to work outside, as a Ranger, has brought about a significant and very noticeable improvement to my mental health.

Stepping away from the pressure and isolation of working for myself, often in very busy and stressful environments, has given me the space I needed to reconnect and achieve a sense of purpose.

Being outdoors daily – working in a team, breathing fresh air, feeling the sun, exercising my body and focussing in on the details that nature has to offer all helping to create the perfect cocktail for a marked improvement in my mood and the “ups-and-downs”.

The physical activity, combined with a more defined work/life balance, has also helped ease anxiety and sharpen my focus, helping me to find much more enjoyment in my life. It’s been more than just a change in work; it’s felt like reclaiming a part of my identity.

To anyone that is going through their own struggles, whatever they may be, I would implore you to try to get out in nature, be it in your garden, a local park or out on the Downs. Spend a minute listening to bird song, plant some wildflower seed, put up a birdbox, or just go exploring – and you’ll be surprised how quickly nature starts to heal.

Simple tips

Here are a few simple hacks for guys to connect with nature for better mental health:

Take a 20/30 minute walk in a natural space – it could be your local park, the beach or the National Park.
If you’re feeling more energetic, go for a run or cycle in a natural space. You could even do your own outdoor workout by doing a few press-ups, burpees or planks!
Notice – step away from digital devices and use your senses to notice nature. Can you hear the birdsong? Can you smell the trees and flowers?
Take a moment to pause and reflect. Just the simple of act of sitting down in a natural space and giving yourself five or 10 minutes to slow down your thoughts. You could even try a guided meditation or read a book while admiring a nice view.
Talk to someone! It can be so easy to bottle everything up inside and sometimes it can make the issue grow and grow. Go for a walk with a close friend or family member who you feel comfortable opening up to.
Look up! You’ll be surprised what you see – birds, clouds, stars in the sky, the moon, the sun. Great to build perspective!
Take photographs and enjoy the details of nature like landscapes, leaves, flowers, views, trees, insects. Photography can be a wonderful way of recording your experiences and looking back on the joy!
Take up volunteering. It’s a great way of being part of a wider community and getting that deep sense of satisfaction that you’ve helped the environment.

Find out more about this campaign by visiting: https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/mhw

#MensHealthWeek #MensHealthMatters