One of the comments we regularly get from our visitors here at Lonsdale Villa Retreat is how much better they feel from just being here. The mix of natural surroundings and comfortable accommodation, make for the perfect business, hobby or development retreat. Whether you come as part of a unique business training experience or as part of something specifically wellbeing-orientated, such as a coaching retreat, the benefit of natural surroundings cannot be denied.
The benefit of being in nature is more than fresh air.
Numerous studies, such as this one from the University of York, have shown nature based activities can really help with a range of modern issues surrounding wellbeing. As human beings, we seem to have an innate need to be out in the green or to wander the hills, and it is a need for more than just a bit of fresh air.
That said, the air after you reach the summit of Helvellyn or the hint of snow in the breeze in early winter, always makes you want to breathe deep and clear the cobwebs. When you are here, surrounded by the beauty of the Lakes District, you find you want to pause and just breathe. Just take in the air and the view and be at peace. There is something special about sharing a part of your day with nature.
OK. So, it’s all well and good for me to wax lyrical here, but what are the real benefits of the great outdoors and how do they apply to the groups who visit us?
Nature boosts mental wellbeing
One of the most talked about benefits of being in nature is its significant impact on mental health. Studies show that something as modest as taking a leisurely walk through a natural environment can lower levels of stress, reduce anxiety, and even help with depression. The presence of green spaces has been shown to act as a buffer against mental health issues, providing a serene backdrop. It is somewhere the mind can unwind and rejuvenate. So, when you are visiting us, we suggest you take in the local area. If you are coming as a group to work on a particular project or perhaps for coaching, why not start the programme with a gentle amble? You and your delegates or employees will destress and bond a little before the real work begins. After all, we all know that a relaxed mind and body are more likely to be ready to get down to work. This brings us to the next point…
There are cognitive benefits to spending time in nature
The advantages of spending time in nature extend beyond reducing stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that all ages exhibit enhanced concentration, memory, and cognitive flexibility after exposure to natural environments. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “nature effect,” suggests that even brief interactions with nature can lead to significant improvements in cognitive performance. No wonder then that we host groups planning research for medical and scientific purposes. Similarly, when you are working on something like business planning, having your team at peak cognitive performance is highly desirable, to say the least.
The power of connection
Even putting aside the special feeling we all get from nature, activities in the great outdoors create a perfect social opportunity. Once we are away from the distractions of modern life, we bond. As a group we will start to talk, make friends, get to know each other and then, as a collective, we all benefit. Again, in the context of a group visiting for the specific purpose of training or development, this community spirit is invaluable. Respect, mutual understanding, and emotional bonding will underpin your purpose and create a much more productive environment.
The human animal at work
We are all animals. The veneer of technology and the modern urban lifestyle may obscure it from us at times, but inside we have the desire to be in the wild. When you visit us and you need to concentrate on the complexities of business development, training, or research, or if you are here for activities such as our artist groups who come to look for inspiration, take a moment in nature. In embracing the natural world, we embrace a healthier, happier version of ourselves. Your inner animal wants the fresh air, the smell of the trees, and the sight of the hills rising to the skyline. From your base here at Lonsdale Villa Retreat, you have the opportunity for the best of both worlds. We have all the space you need inside the house and in the gardens, and one of the most beautiful spaces in the world is just a few minutes away.
Relax and work. Unwind and concentrate. Why not climb the hills, walk the valleys, raft the rivers, or just enjoy the scenery, to enhance your productivity? Our visitors tell us we have the perfect environment to focus on tasks or just let the world go by. This is a place that is great for your mental and physical wellbeing where you can also be productive and creative.
