Survey Reveals How Prioritising Being Outside Can Benefit Mental Wellbeing

A recent survey of 2,000 Brits has revealed that people are increasingly using the outdoors to protect their wellbeing, in research conducted by interiors retailer Heal’s, which explored the impact of utilising a property’s outside space.

When asked what encourages them to use their outdoor spaces, more than two fifths (44%) of respondents in Yorkshire reported that it improves their mood, with almost a quarter (23%) looking to connect with nature. 34% of people living in the region are expected to spend more than five hours outside every day this summer, with 81% believing that this has a positive impact on their mental health.

Across the UK, a fifth of people reported they use this part of the home to spend less time on their screens, but on average only 31% were happy with their outdoor space.

Commenting on the findings, Heal’s buying director, Sabina Miller, said: “At Heal’s, we really believe that you should fill rooms with pieces that you love in order to maximise their potential, and exterior spaces are no exception.

“Time spent scrolling on our phones or watching the TV can become overwhelming, so as we look ahead to warmer summer months, this is the perfect time to think about how you can make the most of your outdoor space – no matter how big or small – to escape the noise and spend more time connecting with nature.”

The research also found that we are a nation divided when it comes to gardening, as only 52% of Brits are confident in their ability to maximise the potential of their green spaces – falling to 48% of people living in Yorkshire. 3 in 10 of those surveyed in the region felt that, when it came to making improvements to their exteriors, they were lacking in knowledge and help, and wouldn’t know how to start.

Sabina continued: “There are a few easy ways you can quickly transform a space from an empty patch of grass to an al fresco sanctuary. For example, modular furniture helps to create zones, whether you want to give the kids a dedicated space to play, chase the sun as you get stuck into a good book, or build a social space for friends and family to enjoy.

“Layer up outdoor textiles and look out for innovative fabrics, such as recycled plastic bottle yarns, as these will offer a durable softness and colour for summers to come. Portable table lamps or strings of festoon lighting will enhance the atmosphere into the evening, whether you have a small balcony, back yard or expansive garden.”

The research also found that we are a nation divided when it comes to gardening, as only 52% of Brits are confident in their ability to maximise the potential of their green spaces – falling to 48% of people living in Yorkshire. 3 in 10 of those surveyed in the region felt that, when it came to making improvements to their exteriors, they were lacking in knowledge and help, and wouldn’t know how to start.

Sabina continued: “There are a few easy ways you can quickly transform a space from an empty patch of grass to an al fresco sanctuary. For example, modular furniture helps to create zones, whether you want to give the kids a dedicated space to play, chase the sun as you get stuck into a good book, or build a social space for friends and family to enjoy.

“Layer up outdoor textiles and look out for innovative fabrics, such as recycled plastic bottle yarns, as these will offer a durable softness and colour for summers to come. Portable table lamps or strings of festoon lighting will enhance the atmosphere into the evening, whether you have a small balcony, back yard or expansive garden.”