THE IMPORTANCE of gardens and outdoor spaces when coping with difficult life moments has been revealed.
In a poll, carried out by Marie Curie, seven in 10 people who have been bereaved said spending time in nature helped them to process their grief and remember someone that has died.
And almost 4 in 5 UK adults agreed that spending time in nature clears their mind during stressful times and provides an ‘escape’ from daily pressures.
Nearly half said it helps them navigate difficult life moments more than listening to music or podcasts, exercise or physical activity or watching TV.
Marie Curie ambassador Jim Carter said: “I’m a passionate gardener. I love my garden and have always understood how lucky I am to have instant access to my own little oasis.
“A recent event in my private life has showed just how important it is to have access to outdoor spaces. A friend of mine has Alzheimer’s disease and is finding communication more stressful.
“I find the easiest way to be with her is to sit side by side in the rose garden of our local park and just absorb the sights, sounds and smells of nature. I can feel relaxation washing over her and can see nature working its magic.
“The same magic works for the bereaved and the grief stricken. Everyone deserves easy access to green spaces, especially in tough moments.”
For people who have been bereaved, nature and outdoor spaces are shown to be especially impactful, with over 2 in 5 revealing they have visited outdoor spaces to reflect on loved ones during moments of grief, and 68% stating that spending time outside significantly helps them cope.
The poll also reveals how the outdoors helps those living with a terminal illness, with over half of bereaved respondents noting that spending time in nature helped their family member or friend while dealing with their diagnosis. 54 per cent also said it helped their loved one process their emotions in their final weeks of life.
Lisa Shyamalan, therapy team leader at the Marie Curie Hospice, West Midlands, said: “We’ve got absolutely beautiful gardens at the Marie Curie West Midlands hospice, which we open for the NGS every year.
“We use the garden as often as we can as a therapy team, for example, our physio might take patients to do their mobility practise in the garden if it’s a nice day, or the Men’s Shed group might play Skittles in the garden.
“We use it therapeutically as much as we can, because the environment is so beautiful and relaxing – it makes people feel comfortable and in touch with nature.
“It’s also a very safe space to talk about the things that are related to death and dying, as well as symptoms and fears and hopes.
“When you’re focused on an activity and you’re not sitting across from one another, but shoulder to shoulder, side by side, the conversation is less intimidating, so the conversations do flow more easily. It can open the way for deeper conversations people may not otherwise have felt able to have.”
The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to 49 gardens in the West Midlands.
The organisation raises funds for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake, with over £77.8million donated to date.
Marie Curie’s partnership with the National Garden Scheme has raised more than £12million since 1996, helping to support thousands of people at the end of life.
Anyonw living with a terminal illness or have been affected by dying, death or bereavement, can get help and support from Marie Curie online here or call the free Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309.