Did you know that April is Earth Month? Since 1970, this annual celebration has served as a reminder to care for the planet we call home. While we may not notice much of a seasonal shift here in Florida, Spring is officially upon us, making it the perfect time to get outside and recognize the powerful connection between nature and mental health.
Being in nature substantially benefits our well-being, while providing ample opportunities to interact with and experience our local area. Even in small doses, getting outside has been shown to regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and much more.
Whether you walk through a local park, garden in your backyard, or simply breathe in fresh air, nature has a profound ability to restore balance, not just for individuals but for entire communities.
This month, let’s explore how embracing the natural world can support our mental health and inspire collective well-being, and how you can start reaping the benefits today!
- Start where you are: We may think that we have to immerse ourselves in a national park to get the benefits of nature exposure. While you can certainly use weekends or vacations for outdoor adventures, you can also connect with nature where you are. Find a favorite tree and put your hand on its bark, bring your lunch to a local park, take up a nature-related hobby like gardening or birdwatching, or if you live near the water, find a few minutes to listen to the gentle sounds of waves.
- Practice micro-breaks: In our non-stop world, it can feel daunting to add another thing to our to-do list. Luckily, like many mental health interventions, when it comes to spending time in nature, every little bit counts. One study shows that even five minutes outside can help regulate the nervous system. Take an early morning or after-work walk, or block some time on your calendar for regular outdoor breaks.
- Leave your phone at home: Nature exposure, especially if we want mental health benefits, asks us to be present. Constant notifications, social media, and the urge to document our experiences can get in the way of an intentional reset. Try leaving your phone at home or placing it in “Do Not Disturb” as you head outside.
- Bring a friend: The positive impacts of social connection on mental health are well documented, so using outdoor time to foster or strengthen social bonds or get involved in your local community can amplify those benefits. Schedule a walk or an outdoor coffee with a friend, join a local beach or park clean up, or a march or walk for a cause you care about.
- Leave it better than you found it: We all have a responsibility to care for our community’s natural areas. Do your part by always checking around you to make sure you’re taking all of your own trash or items with you, and maybe challenge yourself to pick up and properly dispose of one piece of trash on your daily walk. Small actions, done with consistency, can have a massive impact over time, ensuring that your community’s natural spaces are clean and available for everyone to enjoy.
This April, celebrate Earth Month by connecting more deeply with nature and your community. Not only can this have a positive effect on your local area, but it can have a positive impact on your own relationships and mental wellness. Just like we all play a role in eliminating stigma around mental health struggles, we all have a responsibility to our environment, and to each other.
