WHY SPRING IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL

Being a Brit means talking endlessly about the weather in any moment of silence between strangers, friends, and family. But it really is worth talking about, especially considering the start of this year. 2026 has been one of the wettest winters on record in many areas, so it’s no wonder the weather has become the go-to conversation filler. 

Thankfully, things are starting to look up. Seasonal depression (which, yes, is a real thing) starts to pass and we, along with the flowers start to bloom again. 

Getting outside, whether that be for a walk, run, hike or visit to the coast, has a handful of benefits for every type of person out there, all trying to reach their own unique goals. 

For those struggling mentally, Mother Nature can be one of the best healers. Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce cortisol and adrenaline levels, the hormones responsible for stress. As these levels drop, blood pressure lowers which alleviates the feelings of distress and nervousness. So next time you’re planning a day out, consider wandering through some woods or forests and maybe even take a mat, lie down, listen and take a breather.

Bellever Forest, Dartmoor

The coast can also have powerful effects on our wellbeing. The sound of waves crashing can help slow down the nervous system and create a natural sense of calm. Sit, listen to the seabirds calling overhead, spot the occasional seal, watch the surfers or fishing boats and tune into the rhythm of the tide. 

But why the emphasis on getting outside now, in spring? Well, spring isn’t just a shift in the seasons, it’s a shift within our bodies too. 

Many animals begin to awaken from hibernation, including bees, butterflies and hedgehogs all bringing new life back into our gardens and landscapes. Seeing this natural reawakening often motivates us to emerge from our own winter slumbers. 

Busy Bee extracting pollen from Viper's Bugloss

At the same time, the days finally begin to stretch a little longer as each day goes on. More daylight helps regulate our sleep patterns, encourages us to feel more active, and increases our

exposure to vitamin D, an important nutrient that supports our immune systems and overall health. 

Plants also begin to reawaken as the soil warms adding colour and life once again. Flowers and greenery don’t just make the world more beautiful; they also restart ecosystems, support food production and signal the return of growth and abundance, something humans have responded positively to for thousands of years. Daffodils are some of the first to emerge and then of course the bluebells flower, blanketing whole sides of hills and forest floors.

Nanny's final visit to her beloved Bluebells on the Malvern Hills

So as the seasons change, so do our bodies, minds and energy levels, often without us even realising it. Taking the time to step outside and notice these changes can help us reconnect with the world around us and ourselves. 

Spring is nature’s reminder that brighter days are ahead. And sometimes, all it takes is a walk outside to feel it. Don't let it pass you by.

Blea Tarn, The Lake District