GET BETTER MENTALLY-SURVIVE IN NATURE

1
GET BETTER MENTALLY-SURVIVE IN NATURE
When we have mental health issues, we may feel
overburdened and find it difficult to go about
our regular lives. It is important to make time
for nature every day, even if it is only for a
short while, because the demands of work,
family, and life might leave you with little time
to retreat to a location that brings you
serenity. Since we are innately linked to the
natural environment, spending time in it can
improve our mental and physical health. An
increasing body of research indicates that
spending time in natural settings can improve
mental health by lowering stress and anger
levels, easing anxiety and depressive symptoms,
elevating mood and sense of peace, and enhancing
mental function. The shapes, colors, and scents
that surround us when we are in nature all appeal
to our senses, which is why being in nature is
so beneficial. Deeper breathing is naturally
encouraged when walking in the great outdoors,
and this has a relaxing influence on the nervous
system. Give your attention to everything you
see and hear. Take in the sounds of the wind
blowing through the trees and the chattering of
chipmunks or songbirds. As the seasons shift, run
your
2

• hand over the soft petals of a flower in bloom or
  pick up pinecones. Inhale the scent of the soil
  and the wildflower-covered forest floors. As the
  seasons shift, check beneath rocks and ponds for
  evidence of frogs or developing tadpoles, or
  reach out and collect fallen leaves. You are
  practicing mindfulness if you just let yourself
  be in the moment while you are in nature.
• Begin modestly by expressing your gratitude to
  others when they assist you.
• If you see something untidy near a park or beach
  and you live nearby, clean it up without asking
  permission.
• Start writing letters or sending cards to family
  members or friends who are in need of assistance
  at random.
• Give of your time. Don't overcommit if your
  schedule allows, consider volunteering a few
  hours per month or more.
• Offer to pay a senior living alone in their house
  a visit.

Find your natural area.
It might be harder to find nature in the city,
but green space is a must in large cities as
well. Take a look around your urban jungle you
can find unexpected pockets of wilderness. Set a
goal for yourself to locate nearby parks or, if
you have the time, look into nearby conservation
areas or unexplored walking trails. Everyone
should be able to access nature, regardless of
their circumstances, since it is for everyone's
benefit. If only for a short while, it can help
you detach from the stress of everyday life and
re-establish a connection with yourself. It can
have a soothing and fascinating effect on your
life. "Those who take in the splendor of the
planet discover stories of strength that will
last for the whole of life. The constant
reminders found in nature, such as the fact that
morning follows darkness and winter follows
spring, are incredibly restorative." Rachel Carson
3
Permitting Yourself to Breathe

• Do not forget to breathe!
• We hope you allow yourself to breathe, wherever
  you are in life. We hope that you leave personal
  criticism at the door and take some time each day
  to reflect on all the wonderful things about
  you.
• The world in which we currently live is
  difficult daily pressures and strains weigh
  heavily on us. We wish for you to be able to
  find a moment of calm in your life to simply be
  in the present, even in a world where everything
  moves quickly. Whatever that exact time is.
• Permit yourself give yourself permission to relax
  if you're feeling worn out. Give yourself
  permission to celebrate happiness if you are
  joyful. Let go of the need to define your
  sentiments if you are unsure about what you are
  feeling and instead focus on being present at the
  moment.
• Regardless of what transpired today, this week,
  or this month, allow yourself to "breathe."
• To keep in mind
• To show respect
• To rejoice
• To raise
• To be grateful
• To breathe
• To laugh
• To cry, to