Fall is a season of transition for both humans and nature. While the natural world slowly prepares for the coming of Winter, we ourselves prepare for changes within our own lives and routines. What do you think of when it comes to Fall?
Warm drinks.
A crisp chill in the air.
Cinnamon and spice.
A kaleidoscope of oranges, reds and golds.
The sun, growing tired, beckoning in the moon to take centre stage earlier each day.
Back to school and back to work.
The new season heralds many changes, most notably the end of a glorious summer break. We return to school or to work, and often underestimate the toll that this change can take on us; there no longer seems time to spend our days freely basking in the sun’s rays, and looking after ourselves in this nurturing way is a forgotten priority.
Any such belief that spending time outdoors becomes a ‘luxury’ during this busy time is misguided however- time nurturing yourself through being in nature is a necessity. The health benefits of being outdoors (whatever the season!) are unparalleled, and during this period of change and adjustment nature can lend a gentle reassurance to the stressed and anxious mind; it’s useful to remember that squirrels aren’t checking their watches to make sure they’ve hidden away enough acorns, and the leaves don’t fall in accordance to due dates! We can find a gentle reassurance in the unhurried cycles of the world.
Overall Benefits. As the daily pressures mount you can use spending time outdoors to energize and refuel. Researchers at Carlton University have explored in depth this direct link between nature-connectedness and enhanced wellbeing, where “those who are more connected to nature tended to experience more positive affect, vitality, and life satisfaction”.
Stress Reduction.There has also been specific research into the powers of Forest Therapy as a method of stress reduction. The researchers concluded that “forest environments are advantageous with respect to acute emotions, especially among those experiencing chronic stress. Accordingly, shinrin-yoku may be employed as a stress reduction method”. Nature offers us a glimpse into something much greater than ourselves, and this perspective works to inspire cognitive performance, thereby combatting the stressful overwhelm and mental fatigue that so many of us experience as the daily pressures grow.
For both children and adults there has been extensive research into the therapeutic powers of nature, and the results are conclusive: time in nature is essential for a healthy mind, body, and spirit. It doesn’t have to be a whole day wandering through the forests- if you’re anxious, stressed, depressed, uninspired, or disconnected, a 20 minute walk could be a simple remedy! Taking care of yourself on a day-to-day basis is the best way to ensure your ongoing wellbeing. Maybe that means taking a slightly longer route to work that allows a stroll through a park, maybe that means going to the park after school, or maybe it means dedicating an hour a week to one of our Forest Therapy programs- however you choose to include Forest Therapy in your life, make sure that time in nature remains a priority, whatever the season.
