NonA Weekly: WILD AND FREE
Image by @adweek
Hi there!
Less stress is perhaps one of the most transformative and obvious ways that nature regulates our mental space. Spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. For example, doing things like growing food or flowers, exercising outdoors, or being around animals can have lots of positive effects.
Many people hit the gym or pound the pavement to improve cardiovascular health, build muscle, and of course, get a rockin’ bod, but working out has above-the-neck benefits, too. Regardless of age or fitness level, studies show that making time for exercise provides some serious mental benefits.
This week the discussion is around Support for mental health & stress reduction, and Physical Activities & Wellbeing.
1. NATURE AND MENTAL HEALTH
We all have different experiences of nature and different reasons for wanting to connect with it more – or feeling unsure about whether to try. This ARTICLE explains the mental health benefits of nature and gives tips and ideas to try.
2. THE GREAT OUTDOORS: HOW A GREEN EXERCISE ENVIRONMENT CAN BENEFIT ALL
This ESSAY addresses the additional physiological and mental health benefits that appear to occur when exercise is performed in an outdoor environment. However, people’s connectedness to nature appears to be changing and this has important implications as to how humans are now interacting with nature.
3. THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON NATURE
NATURE has a way of providing comfort when you need it the most. It resets your thoughts and puts you at peace — just like a visit home would.
4. AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, TAKE TIME TO RECONNECT WITH NATURE
If you are in a place impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, spending 20 minutes experiencing NATURE in a park, street, or even your backyard can significantly reduce your stress levels. But even if you cannot or are unable to go outside, taking a break by opening a window and looking at a tree or plant can also help de-stress.
5. 13 MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXERCISE
Get inspired to exercise by reading up on THESE unexpected ways that working out can benefit mental health, relationships and lead to a healthier and happier life overall.
6. SPENDING AT LEAST 120 MINUTES A WEEK IN NATURE IS ASSOCIATED WITH GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Spending time in natural environments can benefit health and well-being, but exposure-response relationships are under-researched. THIS essay examines associations between recreational nature contact in the last seven days and self-reported health and well-being.
Stay creative and see you all next week!
Daniela
