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As a consultant psychiatrist practicing in Cornwall, I’ve witnessed first hand how lifestylemedicine is revolutionising our approach to mental health and wellbeing. While traditional treatments remain valuable, the emerging field of lifestyle medicine recognises something our ancestors inherently understood – that our daily habits and environment play a crucial role in both prevention and recovery. The Power of Lifestyle Changes Simple lifestyle modifications can have profound effects on our mental health. Researchconsistently shows that these changes can be as effective as conventional treatments forsome conditions. The beauty of lifestyle interventions is that they empower patients to takean active role in their own recovery, providing a sense of control and agency over theirhealth journey. Cornwall’s Natural Pharmacy Living in Cornwall, we’re blessed with an extraordinary natural environment that offersunique opportunities for lifestyle medicine: Sea Swimming The growing popularity of sea swimming isn’t just a trend – being in nature, having acommunity along with regular exercise all give benefits for mental and physical wellbeing. Cornwall’s numerous beaches provide year-round access to this natural therapy Even a brief paddle can trigger the release of endorphins and boost mental resilience Always remember how to stay safe whilst wild swimming.  Wild Swimming Cornwall has some useful information and resources. Coastal Walking and Green Exercise The South West Coast Path offers 30 miles of therapeutic walking in Cornwall alone The combination of physical activity, fresh air, and natural views creates a powerful antidoteto stress Research shows that exercising in natural environments provides greater mental health benefits than indoor activities. The National Trust has some great information on walking in Cornwall. Community and Connection Cornwall’s tight-knit communities and village life provide opportunities for meaningful social interaction. Local farming markets and community gardens offer ways to connect with others while accessing fresh, nutritious food. Beach clean-ups and environmental groups combine social connection with purposeful activity. Healthy Diet A diet which is low in ultra processed food, high in vegetables and fruit, along with healthyfats and proteins can make a huge difference to physical and mental health Practical Steps for Better Mental Health Here are some evidence-based lifestyle interventions that take advantage of Cornwall’snatural resources: Start your day with a morning beach walk Join a local outdoor exercise group Grow your own vegetables in a community garden. Here is an example of one at Mount Pleasant Eco Park, there are many others in Cornwall. Practice mindfulness in nature Engage in water-based activities Participate in local environmental conservation efforts Eat a balanced diet with a high proportion of plants and a low proportion of processed food. Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking. The Science Behind It Research shows that lifestyle interventions can: Reduce inflammation in the body, which can be linked to depression Increase production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), supporting brain health Improve sleep quality through natural light exposure and physical activity Enhance social connections, a key factor in mental wellbeing Making It Sustainable The key to successful lifestyle medicine is finding sustainable changes that you enjoy.Cornwall’s diverse landscape offers something for everyone – from gentle beach walks tochallenging coastal hikes, from peaceful garden tending to invigorating sea swims.Remember, lifestyle changes don’t have to be dramatic to be effective. Small, consistentsteps in the right direction can lead to significant improvements in both physical and mental health over time. Professional Support While lifestyle medicine is powerful, it works best as part of a comprehensive approach tomental health. At Porthia Clinic, we help patients develop personalized lifestyle interventions through our services that complement their overall treatment plan, taking full advantage of Cornwall’s natural healing environment.By embracing lifestyle medicine and our unique Cornish environment, we can work together to improve mental health outcomes and create lasting positive change. Dr Murton has completed training and is a member of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, they provide training, podcasts and other useful resources