“A walk in nature walks the soul back home.”- Mary Davis, social activist
With Earth Day being April 22nd, we can think about how nature corresponds to mental health. In our everyday lives, we constantly hear that being outside in nature will benefit our mental health because we are not cooped up inside and we are out and moving. Not only do we hear this but we hear that being out in nature is a way to clear our minds in order to have a reset. I have heard from many individuals in my life that use nature as a way to clear their minds and help their mental health. I personally love to be out in nature and do believe that nature is a huge benefit to my mental health.
Some ways that nature can benefit your mental and physical health is: improve your mood, reduce feelings of stress or anger, help you take a time out and feel more relaxed, improve your confidence and self-esteem, help you be more active, reduce loneliness, etc. When we go out into nature whether it is for a short period of time or long period of time there is a benefit to you mentally and physically. Listed below are some ideas that can be used in order to get moving outdoors.
- Grow/pick food: make a garden outside in your backyard, grow food with others to create a community revolved around outdoors, go fruit picking
- Do activities outdoors: eat meals outdoors, take a walk, watch the stars, exercise outdoors
- Help the environment: plant helpful seeds, pick up litter when on a walk, volunteer for a conservation project
- Connect with animals: visit a local farm, try birdwatching, pet-sitting or dog walking
If you would like to speak to a professional counselor or psychologist, please contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 West 167th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477.
Written by: Kara D, Undergraduate Intern 2023
Resources
CounselingMatters.live 
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