Getting Out In Nature Can Really Improve Your Mental and Physical Health

Even as we're starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, many are still feeling down and struggling with mixed emotions about making up for lost time.

Let's take five minutes to see the week in a new light. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind National Garden Month: How Nature Impacts Your Mental and Physical Health   April conjures visions of spring buds, bright sunshine, and warmer weather. It makes perfect sense, then, that this first full month of spring has been deemed National Garden Month.   Not only does it feel nice to enjoy those golden rays and breezes, there's also scientific proof that it's good for us to do so! The act of gardening itself can also bode well for your health. Let's explore. The Many Benefits of Gardening Whether a humble windowsill ledge, a tiny plot, or a robust operation, there's something inherently fulfilling about putting our hands in the literal soil and nurturing plant life.   In addition to the reward of a harvest or bloom, gardening allows us to slow down, disconnect from devices, and reconnect with nature. The health benefits of gardening also include encouraging exercise, teaching discipline, and promoting healthier eating. How Nature Can Boost Your Mood  A June 2020 survey of 3,000 people examined how nature can impact overall mood amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents were asked to rate their mental well-being and specify how often they were either in nature or able to view green spaces from a window.   Researchers discovered that those who had more exposure to nature had higher levels of self-esteem, happiness, and life satisfaction, as well as reduced feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.    Gardening in your yard or community, hiking a nature trail or in a community park, or sitting at the beach, lake, or waterway are excellent ways to benefit from outdoor nature contact." — ERIN LARGO-WRIGHT, Ph.D. Sunshine's Effect on Our Mind and Body  The sun's warmth on your skin can lead to feel-good sensations in our mind, and can also improve our physical health. Specifically, sunshine triggers the production of vitamin D, improves its overall function, and reduces the likelihood of disease.   There's also a correlation between low levels of vitamin D and depression, and studies show that vitamin D supplementation can reduce depression and improve symptoms.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us Garden Secrets is a new TV show streaming on Paramount+. In addition to giving viewers a glimpse into what it takes to maintain the massive Smithsonian Gardens in Washington, D.C. (spoiler: it's a lot!), the show is chock-full of real-world gardening takeaways. Founded in 2019 by Jennifer Ebeling, The Daily Gardener is a Monday through Friday podcast that discusses all things gardening, including historical figures important to the craft, scientific breakthroughs across history, fascinating plant-related literature, and practical advice. Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body This week, carve out an hour of your time and commit to spending it outdoors. Here are a few ways you can do so: Volunteer at a local garden. Prep your garden for a healthy, happy spring. Bring a book or picnic to the park. Hike a local trail with a friend or family member. Grab some sidewalk chalk and get creative. Break out a kite and watch it soar. Make lunch or dinner on the grill. Products to Help You Feel Your Best Juvale's Nature Themed Scavenger Hunt Game encourages you and the kids to go outside in search of specific items, such as a colorful bird, berries, insects at work, and shaped clouds. Whether you want to set up shop in the backyard, have the option to take a relaxing break on a hike, or simply want a place to perch during your next camping trip, a Nakie hammock will deliver. You'll feel extra good knowing that it's a recycled hammock, and that four trees are planted with every product purchase. Our roundup of ergonomic garden tools features products ideal for anyone who enjoys gardening, including those with arthritis.   The Latest from The Verywell Mind Podcast   How to Redefine Your Limitations with Paralympic Gold Medalist Mallory Weggemann Mallory Weggemann found the courage to return to competitive swimming after becoming paralyzed. She shares strategies for dealing with grief, changing the way you think about your limitations, and managing painful emotions.   Friday Fix: 13 Things Strong Kids Do Kids need mental strength right now more than ever. Based on my new book, 13 Things Strong Kids Do, here are the strategies we can use to help kids grow mentally stronger so they can think big, feel good, and act brave.   Tune in to tomorrow's episode to hear from Craig Grossi and his dog Fred about why second chances are so important.   Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS Read These Next A 4-Week Walking Schedule to Help You Get Started READ NOW How Getting More Sunshine Can Help You Sleep Better READ NOW 11 Ways to Treat Depression Without Medication READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. 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