May is Mental Health Awareness month. This year, I had the privilege of participating in this year’s “One Minute for Mental Health” campaign. Mental health is so much more than just the food we eat or the vitamins we take. Contributors to our mental health surround us daily, from the amount of sunlight we see to the conversations we have. In less than 60 seconds, I speak to the health power of nature in calming our hearts and minds. Do YOU have a minute?
The power of nature for mental health
Hello, my name is Cathy Kading and I’m the founder and CEO of Pomona Wellness. I’m so happy to be a part of mental health awareness month and today I wanted to chat a little bit about the role nature plays in our overall health. There have been numerous studies published about the positive impacts of nature, but did you know that only a few minutes spent in nature each day can reduce anxiety, improve mood disorders, and even help our immune system? The Japanese have a name for it: “Shirin Yoku” meaning forest bathing in English, but it goes beyond walking in a forest and includes things like meditation and yogic breathing. Western society is suffering from Nature Deficit Disorder, which was a phrase coined by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods.
So what can we do? Next time you are feeling less than great, try consulting nature. Visit your favorite tree or park. Spend time listening to the birds and feeling the sun on your face. Let nature be your balm and see what happens. Wishing you all abundant health and limitless joy.
Looking for more than a minute on how to help strengthen your mental health? Book a free Breakthrough Session today and see if wellness coaching may be right for you. Want more Wellspiration? Checkout the Pomona Wellness blog for more insights. After all, there is nothing healthier than a fit mind.