NATURE IS THE REMEDY
Author: Lara Gerard, Red Ranger Volunteer
Mental health – everyone has it. It can be as simple as feeling down from having a cold or having a good day due to sunny weather.
I like to think of mental health as analogous to a piece of string, with one end being good and the other being bad. Naturally, you fluctuate along the piece of string.
It has been proven that being in nature or observing nature can improve your mood, stress levels, and general well-being. Trees and plants produce a chemical called phytoncides, which improves your immune system and overall health.
Shinrin-yoku, also known as “forest bathing,’ is a Japanese workout that connects you with nature and encourages you to spend more time outside.
Whether it’s in a park, a woodland area, or just your back garden. Going for a stroll, planting flowers, meditating, reading the paper, or eating breakfast are just a few examples of activities that you can incorporate into your daily routine by taking a small period of time to be in nature and have a positive effect on your mental health.
How has nature helped my mental wellbeing?
Nature has helped me to disconnect from reality and rest my thoughts. Appreciating the beauty and serenity that surrounds me. Immersing oneself in outdoor music. I can disconnect from my thoughts and reconnect with nature. Modern day society is so technological and is the cause of self-doubt. Leaving my phone at home when out in nature has proven to be one of the greatest band-aids for my mental health. I started gardening, which has become a therapeutic therapy session for me and has proven to have the bonus of fresh organic produce providing positive health for the state of mental health.
There is an important bond between humans and nature – so strong you would believe it to be a natural remedy.
Nature’s roots run deep within us, as we are a part of nature.
