Beverley Powell, NHS programme manager

Beverley enjoying one of her local nature walks

“Being outdoors amongst nature gives me clarity and focus”

For the last 25 years, twice a year, I have taken myself off to the Lake District for a few days alone. I call it my mini annual retreat.

It is about nature first and the mountains second for me. I always head for the northern Lake District, with Keswick as my base. I will always climb Latrigg within hours of arriving. Then I feel I'm back in the hills. 

Being outdoors amongst nature serves me on several levels. From an external physical level, it provides me with a different challenge than the same old gym equipment 

From an internal and mental health level, being outdoors amongst nature gives me a level of clarity and focus when or if I have a goal to achieve that day, or simply, to think things through. 

I am fortunate that I live nearby several nature reserves and so I make full use of being amongst mother nature. Everyone is different and will have different levels of mental health. For me at times, it can just be getting into my garden and potting plants or sitting in my back garden. That's getting outside and breathing in fresh air.

I am employed by the NHS a Programme Manager, and also work as an Independent Transformational Leadership Coach. Maintaining a positive mindset during lockdown was key for me, along with eating the right foods. Some foods do not work for me.  I try to be a good vegan, as I find that style of food gives me clarity, where other foods can act as a depressant and not serve me to be in a positive mindset. To serve others, I need to ensure that I have a tip-top frame of mind and physically able. It has been very challenging time and being in nature has got me through!

I joined the Mountains for the Mind Facebook group because I was looking to join a community of likeminded online friends. While searching for a group where both men and women shared their outdoor pursuits, it was a real find! Everyone is so supportive and encouraging, and for this I will be eternally grateful for being part of a fab group!

Beverley walking in Gasmere in the Lake District on one of her ‘mini annual retreats’