Active Devon

Join in with Naturally Healthy May and Feel Happier and Healthier.

May is Devon’s Naturally Healthy month!

Naturally Healthy May is all about being outdoors, enjoying the amazing natural environment and feeling happier and healthier for it.

The pandemic has had a huge impact on all our lives. Looking after our physical and mental health is more important than ever and there is clear evidence that being at one with nature and keeping active is good for us.

May is a wonderful month to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, so why not take some time, even if it’s just ten minutes, to invest in yourself and connect actively with nature. Its a proven fact that spending time outdoors and getting some fresh air has a positive impact on your mental health. Last week we were encouraging you to reconnect with nature for #MentalHeathAwarenessWeek now the challenge is, to keep it up come rain or shine! Have some time in the great outdoors, your mind will thank you for it.

Like taking photos? Take Part in their Naturally Healthy Photo Competition!

Active Devon on behalf of the Devon Local Nature Partnership will be hosting a Naturally Healthy photo competition. Running from the 1st May 2021 – midnight on the 31st May 2021 and is open to adults (aged over 18 years old) living in Devon.

The competition offers the opportunity for you to explore and value the local natural environment, take some amazing photographs with your phone or camera, and submit them for a chance to win a great prize!

The entry process will be done via sharing on social media using the hashtag #NaturallyHealthy or submission by email. Please read the Naturally Healthy May photo competition overview and terms and conditions for full details. They will also be sharing information on the Active Devon Facebook page @activedevon.

All photos shared should fit within one or both of the following descriptions:

• A place to be Naturally Healthy (for example, somewhere you go for a walk)
• A Naturally Healthy activity (for example, you walking)

Remember Naturally Healthy encompasses many different places and activities so use your imagination!

Please also include a short sentence about your photograph and use the hashtag #NaturallyHealthy.

For children and young people they will be running a separate Naturally Healthy photo competition through #DevonVirtualGames

You can find all the details here, along with the overview and terms and conditions for this separate competition.

Get Involved with Naturally Healthy Month

Naturally Healthy month is part of Devon’s Naturally Healthy initiative, led by Active Devon and Devon County Council on behalf of the DLNP.

Bringing together a wide range of partners from health, wellbeing, community and environment sectors to ensure that everyone in Devon is happier and healthier through increased connection to nature.

If you are interested in getting involved contact them via their contact us section – https://www.activedevon.org/contact-us/ 

Connecting with Nature as a Prescription

“It is not a pill or potion but consider connecting with nature as a prescription. One that works, costs nothing and has no side effects. It is so easy to do, just take that step outside to start with. The most important thing is you enjoy it. Think of it as an opportunity to invest a bit of time in looking after yourself, your family and this place we call home.” 

Dr James Szymankiewicz, North Devon GP and member of the Devon Local Nature Partnership.

Keep an eye on social media @activedevon @Devon_LNP, inspire others to get Naturally Healthy too by using #NaturallyHealthy #DevonCAN.