With winter approaching, there’s never a better time to think about how to keep your mental health in tip top condition. Fortunately, there’s plenty of outdoor activities in Newquay that can act as therapy to keep your mood up, meet new people and help pass those chillier months looking after yourself. Read our suggestions below for free therapy in Newquay.
Cold-water Dipping
Blue Health is no longer a buzz word from 2020 – it’s now an integral part of so many people’s lives in Newquay to help boost wellbeing. With plenty of research around to back up the claims that living by the sea can improve poor mental health, it’s no surprise that clubs like the Blue Tits and Blue Balls have sprung up to help. Not only do they reduce social isolation by meeting and making new friends but you also get the brain and immune-boosting benefits of cold water dipping. Ask anyone – they’ll happily tell you about the huge high they get after emerging from the water that lasts for several hours. Those new to cold-water dipping who want to go year-round are encouraged to start at the end of the summer and in the autumn when the water is at its warmest. Calm spots like Towan beach in Newquay make it easy to dip year round as the water tends to be calmer. For those big days – get your therapeutic hit by dipping in the harbour!
Walking
Newquay is fortunate enough to be crisscrossed by a network of footpaths that run alongside the coast. You don’t need to go far to find a stunning walk on your doorstep. Getting out and breathing in great lungfuls of fresh air gives you a massive hit of endorphins, reduces stress and anxiety and also acts as a way to take your mind off those bothersome worries. The coast path through Newquay never fails to lift my spirits and distract me if I’m gazing out to sea and looking out for any marine wildlife. Not only is it good for your mental health – it also improves your physical health – a win-win situation!
Rock Pooling and Wildlife Watching
Discover marine life: if you love looking into the nooks and crannies of the rocks and caves of Newquay’s beaches, then this is the free therapy for you! As you venture into the tide pools, you’ll discover a diverse range of marine creatures. From the familiar crabs and starfish to the more unusual sea anemones and limpets, there’s always something new to discover. Using Google Lens will help you to identify any new aquatic life you’ve not recognised before.
Using rock pooling as a therapeutic tool is meditative in its approach, helping you to appreciate the interconnectedness of all living things.
Yoga and Meditation
Whether you go into full Vinyasa flow or are content to just sit in the lotus position being mindful, you can’t beat the serene setting of a beach. can offer a powerful combination of benefits for your mental health. The soothing sounds of the waves, the fresh sea air, and the vastness of the ocean create an ideal environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Stress Reduction: The rhythmic sounds of the ocean and the gentle lapping of waves can have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Plus, the practice of yoga and meditation further enhances this relaxation by teaching you to focus on the present moment and let go of worries.
Improved Mood: The combination of physical activity and mindfulness in yoga and meditation can boost your mood and reduce feelings of depression. The fresh sea air, rich in negative ions, has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and overall well-being.
Increased Mindfulness: Practising yoga and meditation on the beach can help you develop a greater sense of mindfulness, allowing you to be more present in the moment and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. This increased mindfulness can lead to improved focus, concentration, and emotional regulation. Plus you can’t emphasise enough the benefits of just being outdoors and connecting with nature.
Surfing and Bodyboarding
Whilst this may not qualify as a ‘free’ activity – most people have got a body board or old surfboard they won’t mind loaning out if you need to borrow one. Newquay has enough beaches to suit any ability so it’s not hard to get out there and start letting those feel good hormones pump! The physical demands of surfing and bodyboarding can help reduce stress and anxiety by providing a healthy outlet for energy. Plus, the focus and concentration required to catch and ride a wave can also help to improve mindfulness and reduce rumination. The friendliness of Newquay bodyboarders and surfers can help you to connect with like-minded individuals and can help to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. That’s why you’ll often hear the phrase that surfing is therapy!
Get Out in Newquay Now
As Winter approaches, these tips will help combat the blues by providing you with reasons to keep your mental health boosted with some free outdoor therapy in Newquay.