After work, I often take a short walk — especially at this time of year, when the heat has lifted but the air still holds warmth. It’s quiet but alive: birdsong, the flicker of insects, the scent of lavender, flowers at their fullest.
What strikes me most is how these small, sensory moments both ground and restore. They’re not just pleasant — they’re powerful.
In my work supporting children and young people, I’m reminded that strategies for wellbeing don’t have to be complex. Teaching a child to pause, notice the scent of a plant, feel the breeze on their skin, or listen for birdsong — these are real, accessible tools for regulation and emotional balance.
As we continue conversations around mental health, let’s not overlook the everyday.
Sometimes the most effective strategies are the most natural.