Student life and guidance
Sanjidah Islam
73
As the cold grip of winter loosens and spring blooms around us, it’s the perfect time to pause, step outside, and reconnect with the natural world. Between exams, clinical placements, and late-night study sessions, it’s easy to forget there is a whole world outside buzzing into life as the sun gets brighter. While your studies are important, it is equally as important to take care of your mind and body. Spending time outdoors isn’t just a pleasant break—it’s a powerful tool for your mental and physical health.
Nature and Mental Health
Research has consistently shown that spending time in nature solo or as an activity with friends can improve your wellbeing. According to Mind, interacting with nature can:
- Improve your mood and increase feelings of calm and contentment.
- Reduce stress and isolation, helping to manage the pressures of your studies.
- Help you feel more connected, both to the world around you and to other people.
- Encourage physical activity, which boosts endorphins and gives you more energy.
- Support focus and concentration, which can even help with academic performance.
As future healthcare professionals, you should all be aware how crucial mental health is — but caring for your own mind can sometimes slip down the priority list. This spring, consider making a commitment to yourself, perhaps by stepping away from your screens and stethoscopes when you can, and embracing the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors.
Kent, and Canterbury especially, have many high-quality nature walks, woodlands, and green spaces that are found in abundance. The University of Kent Biodiversity Walk is a great place to start and it’s right on your doorstep. If you want to immerse yourself fully in nature for a few hours of deep relaxation consider taking a trip to the Blean Woods in Rough Common, just outside of Canterbury which features a great diversity of wildlife, such as woodpeckers, nightingales and many species of butterflies.
Not on campus? Explore Kent is a fantastic resource that details all sorts of activities you can do in Kent, simply enter your location, or look at the searches for walking activities we’ve compiled below:
Simple Ways to Enjoy Nature This Spring
You don’t need to plan a wilderness expedition to reap the benefits of nature. Here are a few easy ways to work some outdoor time into your routine:
- Take a Walk Between Classes
Whichever campus or site you are at, you’ll likely find a green space (or the seaside!) nearby, or even a tree-lined street. A short walk can help clear your mind and help you focus. - Study Outside
Bring your notes or tablet to a garden, park bench, or campus green space. There is lots of outdoor seating at both CCCU and the University of Kent where you can enjoy food and drink out in the sun while studying. Sunlight and fresh air can make studying feel less like a chore. - Explore Local Wildlife
Spring is the season of new life. Look out for birds nesting, flowers blooming, and bees buzzing—a reminder of how vibrant and resilient life can be. - Try Outdoor Exercise
For those able to exercise, try swapping a gym session for a hike, jog, or even a simple stretch and sunbathe in a natural setting. Being active outdoors can amplify the benefits to both body and mind. - Mindful Moments in Nature
Practice mindfulness by sitting quietly in nature, noticing the sounds, smells, and sights around you. This simple practice can ground you in the present moment and ease a racing mind. - Weekend Nature Breaks
If you can, carve out time for a weekend hike, trip to a nature reserve, or a visit to the coast. Even a few hours immersed in nature can leave you feeling refreshed.
Nature is Self-Care
Studying medicine can be demanding—but caring for your own wellbeing is just as important as caring for your future patients. This spring, let nature be your sanctuary. Give yourself permission to rest, recharge, and reconnect with the world outside of your studies. Remember: a healthy, happy mind is one of the most valuable tools you can take with you into your career, and what better time to start developing good habits if not now!
