March is to think
about the following
Reboot the future
Connection to Nature
Question:
In what ways are you connected with nature?
Things have changed greatly over
the past decade with social media being at the forefront of our minds. We are
more consumed with our phones, that we are less likely to think of enjoying or
making time to connect to nature. The older you are the less likely you are to
think of not spending or making plans around nature. However, some people are
becoming more drawn towards technology whatever age they are, young or old. The
world is so fascinated with technology that we forget to observe what is around
us. Even when we do go on a trip or somewhere with beautiful views, we are too
busy taking photos through the phone screen. We are so obsessed with stats and likes
in the virtual world that we are not in sync with the real one.
Our planet is more kind to us than
we are to it. You may be thinking that what it naturally brings out, like
natural disasters, may stem to difficulties but at least there are positives
along with the negatives. When we harm the planet with our careless attitudes of
not simply recycling correctly or huge quantities of different waste, there are
no positives, just negatives. We are taking no responsibly and if those that
are, will soon grow tired because no one follows through.
Go outside
There has been a lot of research to
show that there is a link between time spent around nature will reduce the risk
of mental health problems, improve mood and reduce stress.
Even if you live in the city, there
is nature everywhere. From local parks, gardens, canals or courtyards. It
really worth your while to try and look around to find these places as it will
really help you to appreciate and calm your mind.
If you are struggling to find an
area near you, try and bring nature near you. You could start gardening or get involved
with a local group at an allotment. If this isn’t an option, then how about
introducing some house plants into your personal space.
Just keeping windows open to let in
fresh air and getting some natural sunlight by opening the curtains can be very
beneficial.
Practice Mindfulness
Taking the time to reflect on your
surroundings can be a positive impact on your mental health and wellbeing.
Sitting down and closing your eyes for 5 minutes to reflect in your bedroom or
in the forest, or wherever you feel comfortable and quiet can help you.
Be around Animals
Being around animals and wildlife can also be
beneficial for overall wellbeing. Even from your own home, take a look outside
your window and see if you can spot birds in your garden. If you can’t see
them, listen for them instead!
Just make sure to spend some time each day outside observing what is happening
around you.
Questions:
Do you spend any time outside?
What can you see around you?
Do you have a window to look outside?
Do you take 5 minutes to think?
Have you seen any Animals today?
How much time do you spend outside?
Ideas of places to
visit:
Playground
Local Park
Beach
Forest
Zoo
Nature
is the collection of all the elements in the world that aren’t made by humans,
including plants, animals, oceans, rocks and wind.
Everything
in nature is part of an ecosystem - a web of connections between a community of
living and non-living things. Humans are part of nature, and we depend on our
connections to the natural world for food, air, water, shelter and even
happiness: spending time in nature is shown to improve our health and mood.
Everything in an ecosystem is connected, so all of our actions impact the
natural world. By recognising and respecting our connection to the natural
world we can protect and enjoy the ecosystems we rely on.
