Top ways nature can help beat January blues - including stargazing and foraging

Brits are turning to nature to banish the January blues – including stargazing, foraging, and outdoor yoga, research has found. The poll of 2,000 adults found recent events, such as Covid and the cost-of-living crisis, have taken their toll, with 60 percent feeling like they need a lift "more than ever".

As a result, 91 percent will attempt to brighten their mood this month with morale-boosting activities in nature – such as woodland walks, birdwatching, and cold water swimming.

It also emerged adults only spent a total of an hour each week "in nature" last year. But two-thirds are keen to spend more time outdoors in 2024, with 81 percent claiming being around nature is good for their mood.

The study was commissioned by Clipper Teas, which has teamed up with Drag Queen Gardener to launch "the GOOD tea campaign", to highlight the benefits of reconnecting with nature.

TV presenter and horticulturist, Drag Queen Gardener, aka Tom Leonard, said: "Starting my own allotment, and diving into the world of gardening, was not only incredibly healing for me – it also allowed me to have a greater appreciation for the biodiversity we have in our gardens and green spaces."

The study also found that 39 percent feel their general mood is "worse" in January than it is during the other 11 months of the year.

However, 61 percent aren’t writing it off just yet – as they claim they’ll do all they can to make sure the first month of the year is a "success".

And it appears nature will play a major part in this – with other popular wildlife-inspired activities including gardening, nature photography, and taking part in litter-picks.

Going on park runs, building animal habitats such as birdboxes, insect hotels, or hedgehog houses, and filling homes with houseplants, will also be commonplace.

As will beachcombing, joining a rambling or walking group, and going for strolls around local parks, according to the research, carried out through OnePoll.

It also emerged 79 percent of those polled think there is "too much" bad news around at the moment – but 59 percent claim they actively try to counteract this by spreading positivity themselves.

And often, this is achieved through sharing good news – specifically about environmental issues, with 32 percent revealing that positive stories about sustainability help to improve how they’re feeling.

Hannah Williams, from Clipper Teas, said: "We're on a mission to reconnect you with nature – our commitment transcends the cup.

"We pledge to nurture biodiversity, uphold ethical practices, and contribute to a global movement restoring our connection with nature."