Celebrities Join Forces with WWF to Highlight the Power of the Outdoors for World Mental Health Day
A host of famous faces have teamed up with WWF to shine a light on the mental health benefits of spending time in nature for this World Mental Health Day (10 October). From actors to athletes to presenters, 10 celebrities share their personal reflections on how nature has helped their mental health, along with beautiful images, celebrating the power of the outdoors to boost wellbeing, reduce stress and bring a sense of calm and connection. The celebrities involved in the campaign include tennis legend Andy Murray, Outlander star Sam Heughan, actress and model Amy Jackson Westwick, Muslim Hikers founder Haroon Mota, Sex Education actor Connor Swindells and Emma/Peaky Blinders actor Amber Anderson, among others.
From forest walks and cold-water swims to dog walks and mountain hikes, each of them has shared how getting their daily dose of nature has helped their mental health and why protecting the natural world matters now more than ever.
Andy Murray, former tennis player
“I have had times in my career when I’ve felt under a lot of pressure and there’s nothing like a dog walk to make you feel better and put things into perspective. For me, being out in nature really clears my head, gives me a sense of calm and reminds me what is most important in life.”
Sam Heughan, actor
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my career as an actor, but there have been moments when things have felt tough. On those harder days, getting out into nature gives me the space to reset and breathe. In a world that moves so fast, it’s vital to find time to switch off from our busy lives and reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.”
Amy Jackson Westwick, actor and model
“Nature has been my greatest healer. Moving to the countryside was a decision for peace of mind – for my family and for myself. Being surrounded by animals, open fields, and fresh air shifts everything. It grounds me, slows my thoughts, and reminds me what really matters. The outdoors has a way of quieting the noise, helping me breathe deeper, feel calmer, and reconnect with what’s truly important.”
Haroon Mota, founder of Muslim Hikers & Active Inclusion Network
“Nature has been my therapy. Whether it’s a mountain, a forest, or a simple walk outdoors, being in nature helps me find calm, recharge my mind, and feel grounded again. It reminds me that even in the busiest or hardest moments, there’s always space to breathe and reset.”
Connor Swindells, actor
“Getting out in nature for me means a reset. Often, I feel overwhelmed by the bustling life of a city – I know it’s not right for me at my core. So, it’s vital I get time, mostly, to myself and outside. That sense of serenity comes in its purest form, out in nature. I forget how much of an adventurer that I am, it’s dulled. Being outside reminds me that this is where I’m happiest.”
Amber Anderson, actor
“Getting out in nature reminds me I’m part of the natural world. My energy shifts to something calmer, slower, more in rhythm. My mind stops feeling fizzy – my thoughts come one after another instead of all at once. There’s comfort in knowing I’m a tiny part of this vast universe, and nature gives me that perspective like nothing else. I truly believe that connection makes me a kinder, better person, with more space for hope, joy and love.”
Portia Freeman, Home Cocktail Queen
“One of the main reasons we moved from London to Hampshire was to be closer to nature. I’ll always love the energy of city life, but nothing compares to the joy of pulling on my boots and heading out with Dallas. We can wander for hours, discovering new trails and feeling completely at peace. It’s a kind of calm and connection I never quite found in the city.”
Cel Spellman, actor and presenter
“For me, there is no better medicine than nature. It’s my sanctuary and it’s always there, it always helps bring the reset I need. Especially, In my darker days, it always helps me find the light and let it in.”
Katrina Ridley, presenter
“Nature has literally been a lifeline during the most difficult times mentally in my life. When I was depressed, getting into cold water, especially the sea, was the only thing that could snap me out of a bad mindset – it felt like it shocked me out of my brain and into my body. Now looking back, I’m almost glad to have gone through those dark times because it strengthened my bond to the natural world – a connection that is so deep and innate in all of us.”
Daze Aghaji, climate justice activist
“Nature has always been there for me — a friend and a comfort through some of the hardest times with my mental health. When life feels too heavy, I turn to her, and everything feels lighter. I’m deeply thankful for my relationship with the natural world and the more-than-human.”