Reconnecting with Nature: Outdoor Activities for Mental Health in Illinois
Ecotherapy is a therapy speciality which involves doing outdoor activities in nature. It allows us to explore and appreciate the natural world which can have a positive impact on our mental health. Studies indicate time spent immersed in nature is good for us. It can improve our attention, lower our stress levels, give us better moods, and increase empathy and cooperation. Ecotherapy includes activities like working in nature, experiencing nature, and spending time with others in nature. This means that there are a variety of activities that can be engaged in despite the season or energy level.
Embracing Nature to Navigate Personal Challenges
I personally take problems in my personal life and look to nature to teach me how to approach them. When I hike, I am able to utilize mindfulness to assess my thinking and self-talk. In doing so I am able to find out how best to support myself in each moment of particularly difficult climbs. I am able to face challenges and tough feelings and meet them on the other side with growth, joy, and an internal shift in the way I think and see the world.
Working in nature could mean anything from having plants in your home, to starting a garden in your own backyard, or even in your community. There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities that allow you to learn more about natural areas and allow you to make a difference in your state with others. Some people find that it is easier to meet new people and/or make friends when they have a practical task to work on together. Check out the link below to see what projects the Master Gardeners in our community are taking on and how you might get involved. https://extension.illinois.edu/lmw/mclean-county-master-gardener-projects
Shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing” (developed in Japan in the 1980s) is not just for the wilderness lover but for anyone that would like to consciously connect more with what’s around them using their five senses. It isn’t exercise or hiking but simply being. Forest bathing can stabilize our nervous systems, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety and depression. (Li, 2022)
The link below provides a list of the best places for hikes or places you could partake in forest bathing right here in central Illinois. The guided Wildflower Walk (at the end of Apri)l on the Parklands Foundations website may be of interest to you. It is a wonderful way to see the beautiful Bluebells in full bloom. https://www.parklandsfoundation.org/2021/07/26/the-pantagraphs-10-best-hikes-in-central-illinois/
Connecting with Friends and Family Through Outdoor Activities
There are many ways to connect with friends and family or meet new people outdoors. I was surprised to find quite a few outdoor groups locally that meet regularly on both Facebook and Meetups. If you enjoy being by water you might want to check out Moraine View Restaurant and Kayak Rental in Leroy, IL. They have paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks that can be rented for a reasonable price. I also enjoy going to our local zoo and paddle boating in the summer months. If you are someone who seeks out new experiences, the Kite Fest (at Grove Elementary School on July 20th) is a fun-filled event that helps support local nonprofits. We are lucky to have green spaces where we can go on long bike rides (The Constitution Trail), listen to concerts (Uptown Circle), and watch plays (Connie Link Amphitheater) in the warmer months. You may notice a lot more people gravitating towards our local parks and playgrounds as well because they give us a chance to unwind and play. Sports that can be played outdoors like pickleball and volleyball are quite popular with all ages. If you have children or just want to engage with your inner child you may want to check out Colene Hoose Elementary School’s natural playground (it’s the only one of its kind in the United States). I have included a list of other parks in the area below.
https://www.visitbn.org/visit/listings/outdoors/
Enhancing Well-Being by Limiting Social Media and Embracing Nature
Research indicates that limiting social media use to approximately 30 minutes a day can lead to significant improvements in well-being (especially in the areas of loneliness and depression) (Hunt, 2018). Incorporating more nature in your life might start with exploring some nature channels on YouTube and/or listening to nature sounds on a meditation app. I frequently hear from my clients that nature imagery and/or the sounds of the ocean or birds can produce very calming effects. Some say it is even a centering and/or spiritual experience. There is no doubt that there is a strong connection between nature and our mental health. How do you plan to reap the benefits of introducing more nature into your life?
Current and future clients at The Mental Wellness Center can inquire about walk-and-talk therapy as an option to increase their time outdoors. Learn more about our providers.
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References
Hunt, M. G. (2018, December). No more FOMO: Limiting Social Media Decreases Loneliness and Depression. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 37(10). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328838624_No_More_FOMO_Limiting_Social_Media_Decreases_Loneliness_and_Depression
Li, Q. (2022, November 1). Effects of forest environment (Shinrin-yoku) on health promotion and disease prevention)-The Establishment of "Forest Medicine". Environ Health Prev Med, 27, 43. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9665958/
