You are here
Green Wellness
Being outdoors in nature and green spaces is not only enjoyable, but also therapeutic - physically and mentally. This also means it’s important to take care of our planet. These tips offer ways to connect with our environment and benefit our own health while doing it.
Community gardens improve access to healthy food, community development, and mental health. Find one in your city!
Being in a green space can decrease anxiety. Seek out green spaces near you and make a habit of spending time there.
Move some of your typical indoor activities outdoors if you can, like reading or exercising.
A walk in a green space can give you a break from "attention fatigue". Go outside on your own and leave your phone in your pocket!
Seek out programs at your local library/community centre to learn about gardening. Handling plants has stress-relief benefits!
Add some potted plants to your work space. Being around plants can improve the quality of air you’re breathing, and can even help your memory and concentration!
We're lucky to have ReForest London, a non-profit organization that creates green space in London, Ontario. Look into whether your community has an initiative like this - maybe they’re looking for volunteers!
Take a trip to a nearby farmers market with friends to buy local produce. It’s good for the environment, your community and for you!
Take a break from the gas-guzzling air conditioning in your car and roll down the windows instead. Feel the breeze!
Planting trees makes a community more beautiful AND healthy. Check out London’s Million Tree Challenge.
Next time you walk in your favourite green space, grab some gloves and a garbage bag to pick up trash along the way!
Drinking water is good for your health, but single-use plastic water bottles are bad for the earth's health. Get a reusable bottle and it’s a win-win!
Take a brisk walk outside during study or work breaks. Even a small dose of sunshine and fresh air can reduce stress.
Exercise outside! Free, green, healthy, and always interesting. Find a hiking trail near you.
Hit up Etsy or Pinterest to get ideas for how to upcycle old stuff into art and other items. Good for the soul and the earth!
Save money and the environment by packing up a garbage-free picnic lunch in reusable containers for you and your friends.
Make your own green cleaning products and get to work on a "spring clean". A fresh, decluttered space can feel amazing.
Take the bus instead of driving. Or ride a bike instead of the bus. It'll help reduce pollution and it feels great!
Educate yourself on the realities of climate change to learn how you can play a role in revitalizing the earth.
Get involved in your community. Volunteering for an environmentally-focused organization will create change that you can be a part of.
A natural disaster can be a very traumatic event. It’s okay to seek support for this, or anything that impacts your mental health.
Meditate outdoors. The sights, sounds and smells help to restore your natural rhythm and help ground you (no pun-intended, ha ha).
Sign petitions to have your voice heard and to affect change. Learn how to get started here.
When you take action to restore the environment, it can energize you and make you feel accomplished. Plant a tree!
Research has shown that contact with nature during childhood could lead to better health during adulthood, check out this recent study.
Looking for a new way to connect with nature? Try Japanese shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing”.
If you are needing some retail therapy, consider supporting brands like tentree, who plant 10 trees for every piece of clothing purchased! Or, go thrifting - the environment and your bank account will thank you!
| © Copyright 2023 | All rights reserved mindyourmind