News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Bishops-gardening-lambeth_article_image.jpg
'Marcin Mazur/Lambeth Palace'
UK News

Public health expert says more time outdoors improves spiritual health

It comes as new research from The British Ecological Society has found visiting a green space can promote good mental health.

The study revealed that spending time outdoors gives people the same rise in happiness as the arrival of Christmas.

Director of public health for Hertfordshire and Christian, Jim McMannus, says that spending time outside has huge benefits for both our mental and spiritual health.

Speaking to Premier he said: "Being in green space can help people feel calm, deal with stress and help reduce your blood pressure and even help with climate change."

"The connection with the natural environment, and being away from technology, helps us to relax.

"But there's also something about being in God's creation and putting into perspective who we are as human beings in relation to the rest of creation."

Speaking of his own experience McManus said being outside helps him to pray and reflect on God and said that churches have a great opportunity to bring their worship and service outside of the confines of the building.

McManus works with the Church Times and the Conservation Foundation to promote the use of church gardens and green spaces to benefit the public and said the possibilities are endless.

"Churches could create quiet gardens for reflection or gardens to give people volunteer space and employment or projects for people who just need space to combat loneliness.

"Even if it's just from the perspective of making your gardens look a little bit interesting, that can actually have an impact."

"There's all sorts of things you can do and churches should be leading it - we absolutely should be bringing the benefits of a strong connection with creation back into people's daily lives if we can."

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate