Written By: Abbey Palamarek
Over the past year, many of us have been cooped up in our homes due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, making it challenging to maintain an overall positive sense of well-being and a good state of mental health. Many people, especially university students, have experienced increased stress levels, compounded by the fact that the majority of our days are now spent indoors staring at a screen for long periods of time. I know from first-hand experience it is easy to forget (or sometimes impossible, if you are in quarantine) to step away from your desk and get outside and breathe in some fresh air.
However, if you are able, I urge you to find the time in your day to go outdoors and spend at least a few minutes in nature. Why? Research has shown that spending time in nature has a significant beneficial impact on overall well-being and it can help with various mental health challenges people face, including anxiety and depression.
In fact, the effect of nature is so profound that a B.C medical group has launched a program to prescribe nature as a treatment to help with various health issues. There is an extensive list of the positive impacts that spending time in nature has on humans, including increased levels of physical activity, decreased stress levels, and improved short-term and working memory. This list continues to expand as the scientific field of ecotherapy is being increasingly explored (attached are articles for further reference). Ecotherapy is a type of therapy that features the idea that people have a deep connection to their environment and the earth and if you nurture this connection there will be positive impacts on your mental and physical well-being.
I encourage you to incorporate nature into your life in whatever way you can. It can be as simple as sitting in your backyard or going for a walk in a park, or if you are up for a little more adventure check out local skating rinks, toboggan hills, walking trails, or ski hills. Stay safe and stay healthy!
References & Articles to Explore Further
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