5 ways that Trentham Monkey Forest can help with your mental health
As it is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme to raise awareness about is loneliness, we here at Trentham Monkey Forest would like to remind you that our forest can be the perfect place to help reduce loneliness. Walking amongst 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques and having a chat with our knowledgeable park guides can most likely help to brighten up a person’s day and help them feel less lonely.
Visitors from across the UK visit Trentham Monkey Forest and are amazed at the natural beauty within the woodland. The monkeys act completely as they would do in the wild, making it the most perfect place for escapism, to take a step back and have a breath when needed.
Animals are known to psychologically help us as a source of comfort and support. Below are 5 key reasons how Monkey Forest can help you to feel better within yourself when visiting our amazing monkeys.
- Being at peace – observing nature in a tranquil setting
Mind encourages spending time in a green space as bringing nature into your life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. The ancient Staffordshire Woodland is the perfect fit as it is very peaceful. There are squirrels living in harmony alongside the 140 monkeys and you can also hear the birds chirping away. Uniquely, there are no cages for the monkeys meaning they can go wherever they would like within the 60-acre enclosure. So, you can walk the ¾ mile path, take it as slow as you’d like and embrace nature in the most tranquil of settings.
- Distraction – Clearing the head
If you are finding things difficult, you might prefer to shift your attention onto something else for a while according to Mind. What better way to distract yourself then watching some primates get up to some monkey business! The Barbary macaques are fascinating to watch and their behaviours cold definitely provide you with a much-needed distraction.
- Animals – Much Needed Monkey Serotonin
News In Health (NIH) suggest that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood. At Monkey Forest you can get that much needed dose of serotonin, whether that’s from admiring a cute new-born baby monkey or watching the playful 2-year-olds swing in the trees. A lot of affectionate behaviour, such as male babysitting and teeth chattering, is on display right before your very eyes in the woodland, leaving you to feel upbeat and joyful. Baby season is late spring-early summer and juvenile monkeys are here all year round.
- Family Time – A memorable family day out
The perfect family day out can-do wonders for your mental health. The NHS suggest that one of the ways to mental wellbeing is through taking time each day to be with your family. Good relationships are important for your wellbeing as they give you an opportunity to share positive experiences. Monkey Forest is the ideal day out for a family without breaking the bank. Children can learn about conservation an get to know Barbary macaque monkeys in a surreal way. Whilst adults can channel their own inner ‘David Attenborough’ and cement everlasting family memories together through having a unique experience.
- Exercise
Mind suggest that many people find that physical activity helps them maintain positive mental health, either on its own, or in combination with other treatments. Monkey Forest is a ¾ of a mile walk, meaning it’s not too long and it’s not too short. There are plenty of benches to sit and observe the monkeys and help you to have a nice nature filled walk in your own time. Physical exercise releases cortisol which helps us to manage stress. Why not exercise and have fun by incorporating cute monkeys!