Being in nature
Being in nature actually changes the way our brains work, and as a result, how our bodies feel. How cool is that? And if you can’t get to the bush (forests), even going outside in your own backyard or spending some time at the park can make a difference.
National Geographic has produced a great article (PG) called “This is your brain on nature”. It shares a number of interesting approaches to health and wellbeing including research and national projects such as health forests.
Below are a few fun ways to get out and about in your neighbourhood - without catching Pokemon - plus some nature sounds to enjoy in case you are stuck inside.
But don't worry, if you are stuck inside in the midst of winter - you can always watch some nature documentaries. Apparently this can also have a calming effect! Or scroll down to find out about how watching cat videos can be a good thing.
National Geographic has produced a great article (PG) called “This is your brain on nature”. It shares a number of interesting approaches to health and wellbeing including research and national projects such as health forests.
Below are a few fun ways to get out and about in your neighbourhood - without catching Pokemon - plus some nature sounds to enjoy in case you are stuck inside.
But don't worry, if you are stuck inside in the midst of winter - you can always watch some nature documentaries. Apparently this can also have a calming effect! Or scroll down to find out about how watching cat videos can be a good thing.
|
Relaxing Sounds of the Forest - Waiuta New Zealand
Lawrence O’Grady has recorded the beautiful sounds of the Victoria Forest in Waiuta, New Zealand. These are perfect for listening to while laying back and closing your eyes. Even better if you can catch a breeze to feel like you are really there in person. |
|
Become a Kiwi Guardian
This is an awesome programme for Kiwi (New Zealand) kids to learn about nature, earn cool rewards and go on epic family adventures. Plan your adventure online, then go there for real or carry out a backyard “action” to earn medals. Have fun while making a difference as a Kiwi Guaridan. |
|
Geocaching
Geocahing is a form of treasure hunting. If you haven’t had a go at it before, it is heaps of fun! This video explains a little about geocaching, but you don’t need to have an app to play. GPS is helpful, but not a necessity, and you can have lots of fun setting up your own geocache. Here are some sites to check out in New Zealand. For sites elsewhere you can check out geocaching.com. |
Animals - and the power of cute
Pets. We love them and they love us. Whether they are dogs, cats, fish, turtles, birds or...something completely different. They are great to come home to. We can spend time with them without having to worry about being judged, having to hold a conversations, or have our problems "fixed". They keep us company and help prevent loneliness and give us something nice to focus on and care about. They can also help us meet and enjoy others company, as our friends, family - or other animal lovers - swoon over our pets. If you have a dog that you walk, you will know what I mean. How many people comment on your dog or come up to meet it? Their focus is on your pet, not you. Want to read more? Check out this article about the superpowers of pets.
Some animals can be particularly good at sensing our emotions, making them superb at just "being there" when we need them. When we have a pet who helps us regulate our feelings, to feel more calm and happy, we can refer to this as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). There are however, some animals, generally dogs, which are trained up especially as Mental Health Assistance Dogs.
Having a pet isn't always an option, nor is taking our pet places with us. No - taking your pet turtle to school with you each day is probably not a good idea. But...there is an alternative. Apparently looking at pictures or videos of "cute" baby animals can increase your feelings of happiness as I would dare to say, can funny animal videos - after all, who doesn't feel better after a whole heap of hysterical laughter! It would seem that these reasons might be why there are so many cat videos online, and so many people who watch them!
So either jump online and look at some cute baby animals, or keep a picture or two in your lunchbox for when you need to feel happier - but you might want a cushion at hand to squeeze. Why? Well, apparently cuteness also brings on the feeling of needing to squeeze something - namely the cute animal - but a cushion, your schoolbag or some bubble wrap, might be the next best thing!
Some animals can be particularly good at sensing our emotions, making them superb at just "being there" when we need them. When we have a pet who helps us regulate our feelings, to feel more calm and happy, we can refer to this as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). There are however, some animals, generally dogs, which are trained up especially as Mental Health Assistance Dogs.
Having a pet isn't always an option, nor is taking our pet places with us. No - taking your pet turtle to school with you each day is probably not a good idea. But...there is an alternative. Apparently looking at pictures or videos of "cute" baby animals can increase your feelings of happiness as I would dare to say, can funny animal videos - after all, who doesn't feel better after a whole heap of hysterical laughter! It would seem that these reasons might be why there are so many cat videos online, and so many people who watch them!
So either jump online and look at some cute baby animals, or keep a picture or two in your lunchbox for when you need to feel happier - but you might want a cushion at hand to squeeze. Why? Well, apparently cuteness also brings on the feeling of needing to squeeze something - namely the cute animal - but a cushion, your schoolbag or some bubble wrap, might be the next best thing!
|
|
|
© 2018 Hello Calm www.hellocalm.weebly.com