Litter picking is a great way to play your part in tackling the pollution crisis on a local level, but did you know that it can also improve your mental health and wellbeing?
More than two million pieces of litter are dropped in the UK every day. Despite the growing concerns for our planet, it is surprising that litter continues to be a problem, so it’s still really important for us all to do our bit and help to pick it up, did you know its benefits aren’t just limited to the environment?
Public Health England recommends litter picking as a good way to boost mental and physical health, and there is a growing body of scientific research to support this.
Given that litter picking has no age limit and can be carried out in any location, it is a really accessible activity, and can even be prescribed by health practitioners to improve people’s wellbeing (known as social prescribing).
As long as you are able to walk short distances, use a litter picker and carry a bag, litter picking is an easy activity for anyone to join in with. In fact, It’s one of the few activities where you can benefit from both mindful time alone and social time as part of a group. Our group litter picks start and finish at our Andover wellbeing centre, but you can wander off to look for litter on your own if you prefer more peace and quiet.
So with all that in mind, exactly how does litter picking help to improve your mental health?
Here are 5 reasons why you should join in with our next wellbeing litter pick…
1. Connecting with people
Feeling disconnected can play a huge part in your mental health. Whether you’ve been unwell, working from home, or finding it hard to leave the house, if you’re not having those all-important casual natters and face-to-face catch ups it can cause feelings of isolation to creep in. Joining in with a litter pick guarantees conversation, meeting new people, or perhaps reconnecting with some familiar ones. This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings, talk about the weather, or have a laugh about the unusual pieces of litter you find.
2. Support your local environment
We would all like to enjoy a walk around Andover without seeing rubbish blowing around. By picking up litter you can make a conscious, tangible and positive change to your local community. Seeing the pavements free of litter gives us a huge sense of satisfaction. What’s more, in addition to a bag for litter, if you also take one for recyclables to save from landfill, you’ll be giving the plant a virtual hug as well as your local area..
3. It keeps you active
If you’re struggling to find the motivation to exercise a challenge, just getting yourself moving by walking can help give your body and mind a boost. Take things at a comfortable pace, enjoy the company of the group and keep putting litter into your bag. Before you know it, you’ll have been outside in the fresh air, done some cardio, made some new friends and helped the planet!
4. It keeps you in the present.
Scientific studies have explored focusing on how the process of litter picking can be used as a therapeutic tool in an attempt to bridge the psychological barriers to engagement with the outer world. Looking for litter requires some level of concentration which can help to distract you from your thoughts. This helps you to be in the present moment, rather than your mind wandering into unwanted thoughts of the past or future.
5. Giving back feels good
This is what it’s all about. It feels good to make a positive impact on the world. The sense of community from getting together with others for a single litter pick can boost your mood significantly, as can seeing the results of your actions and knowing you have helped tidy the local area. Passers-by will often give you a nod or a smile of appreciation or even strike up a conversation. These are the feel-good vibes that can help to lift your mood.
What are you waiting for?
To get involved in our next wellbeing litter pick, simply meet us at the Andover Mind wellbeing centre, Westbrook Street, Andover SP10 2BN at 10am Wednesday 15 March 2023. If you have any questions, you can give us a call on 01264 332297 and ask to speak to the wellbeing team.
