Mental health: Nature is good for you!

Have you ever noticed how a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, or even a walk in the forest can instantly boost your mood? Nature profoundly affects our mental and emotional health.

The sights sounds and scents of nature can have a soothing effect on our minds

Nature's sights, sounds, and scents can soothe our minds. They trigger the release of "feel-good" hormones, which boost our mood and increase feelings of happiness. In addition to its emotional benefits, nature also enhances our cognitive function. Nature has been shown to improve our attention span, concentration, and cognitive abilities.

Today, we live in a fast-paced, technology-driven world that overwhelms us with constant stimuli, causing mental fatigue and burnout.

Nature Seychelles' Sanctuary at Roche Caiman has been used for recharging for many years. Children, the elderly, religious groups, those recovering from addiction, and many others have benefited from activities at the site, including play, recreation, art, yoga, and green exercise.

If you want to know how here are some ways to get small doses of nature every day!

Go outside. Schedule time to spend in the outdoors during your week or weekend. We are fortunate to have plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. There are nature trails to explore, beaches to picnic on, and parks or nature reserves to visit. Exercise or yoga can be done outside. Walking and hiking can be done on your own or with a local group. Connecting with other people will help build community and reduce loneliness. When you don't have enough time to spend in a garden, even a short break can be rejuvenating. As an example, a park bench can serve as a perfect space for eating, journaling, writing, or drawing.

Volunteer for an activity that helps the environment

Help the environment. A good way to connect with nature is to volunteer for an activity that helps the environment. Volunteering can include planting trees, cleaning beaches, tracking turtles and whale sharks, or restoring corals with a local organization. By doing this, we remind ourselves of our place in the world and connect with something greater than ourselves. It can give meaning, purpose, and perspective to life.

Plant a garden. Several studies have documented the benefits of gardening. It is therapeutic. Growing one's own food is also rewarding, and it saves money. The cultivation of beneficial plants can also benefit pollinators, such as bees. Plants such as food plants, herbs and spices, medicinal plants, and vegetables can be grown outside if you have enough space. In the absence of a garden, you can bring one indoors using pots or by rusing plastic bottles.

Connect with animals

Connect with animals. Observe birds or wildlife in your backyard or at the seashore.  Record your observations by taking photos or taking notes in a diary or on your phone. You can even log your observations on apps such as Birda or iNaturalist or on the upcoming Global Bird Weekend and October Big Day. You can participate in a nature survey. An example would be to count animals, birds, or insects at a particular location and time, or to report individual sightings of fauna.  You can rescue domestic or wild animals.