NATURE AS THERAPY: ACTIVITIES TO DO IN YOUR BACKYARD
Using nature as therapy—also known as ecotherapy—is a great way to reduce stress, boost mood, and connect with the environment.
Nature can be therapeutic in so many ways, it helps stimulate the senses, brightens your mood and takes your mind off negative thoughts. Engaging in the immediate world around you helps you to be present and mindful but it can also help you to switch off mentally and find a sense of peace. Its especially useful for helping children to calm themselves down and regulate their emotions.There are many different ways to find therapy from nature and here are a few -
1) Tune into your surroundings:
Find a comfortable, safe place to sit, stand or lie down. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and listen to your heart beat. Slowly tune into the environment around you by focusing on one sense at a time. feel the air on your skin and the grass or ground beneath your feet, listen to the sounds around you from rustling leaves to running water, can you smell the flowers, plants and grass
2) Start a Nature journal:
Nature journals are simply notebooks that you can feel with your thoughts, feelings and observations of the natural world around you. You could fill them with drawings, words, poems, songs or stories or even collage in found natural materials.
3) Gardening :
Gardening and growing your own food is good for your physical and mental health.Gardening relieves stress reducing endorphins and helps with fine motor skills and cognitive functions and also helps give you a sense of achievement which posts self-esteem and confidence.
4) Outdoor picnic and camp:
Pack a healthy lunch and head to your local park or even your house backyard for a picnic. After eating, engage in classic outdoor games like tag, hide-and-seek, or frisbee. These simple yet energetic games provide exercise and plenty of laughter, creating a memorable bonding experience for the whole family.
5) Sky gazing or cloud watching :
Lie on your back and watch the sky—notice patterns, shapes, and movement. It calms the mind and encourages mindfulness.
School blog by :
Hiranmayi Punjala
IX/C
3812
Bhaskara
