Exploring our Environment this Thanksgiving 🦃: Mental Health Benefits
- Youth Environmental Alliance
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
By, Nicole Castilla, Marine Biologist and Florida Master Naturalist, in partnership with Youth Environmental Alliance
Your mental wellbeing is an integral part of your happiness on a daily basis. All of us have some sort of stressor in our lives and sometimes, it can lead to a point of burnout. However, there are ways to mitigate stress and reduce anxiety. Did you know getting involved in conservation activities and exploring the great outdoors of our amazing environment have positive effects for your mental well-being?According to the National Library of Medicine, studies have shown that spending time in nature can boost not just your mental health, but your overall health by lowering stress levels and improving attention and focus.[1]
Disconnecting your electronic devices and going outside to spend time wallowing in nature is a great way to get started. Even if it’s just fifteen minutes a day, getting fresh air and sunshine has been proven to improve mood and boost happiness levels.
Let’s explore some ways to get involved in environmental conservation that can have positive effects on our mental well-being!
Volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to give back to a cause that is close to your heart. There are countless volunteer opportunities in the environmental and ocean conservation field, and you can find the one that is just right for you, including some with the Youth Environmental Alliance. YEA offers several volunteer opportunities and you can explore them through the link found in the references section.
There are many volunteer projects that involve being outdoors, such as coastal restoration initiatives, native plant planting, and beach cleanups. When you participate in a volunteer activity like these and have a passion for the cause, you feel happier inside, while also getting to meet like-minded individuals.
Outdoor Workouts. When you think of exercising, you might immediately think of working out in a gym–indoors, preferably with air conditioning and fancy machines. However, there are many opportunities to do your workouts outside! Many community parks have outdoor gyms with exercise equipment available to use for free! When you take advantage of these awesome and free resources at your local park, you get your daily dose of vitamin D and enjoy your workout surrounded by nature. To find an outdoor exercise facility near you, check out these links!
Palm Beach County: https://discover.pbc.gov/parks/Amenities/Exercise.aspx
Broward County:
Miami Dade County: https://liveaparklife.org/get-involved/explore-a-park/fitness/
Choose Outdoor Experiences. When you are planning a fun activity to do, what comes to mind? Movie nights, restaurant dates, and shopping at the mall all sound fun but did you know there are several things you can do in the great outdoors that are just as fun, are budget-friendly, and help reduce stress and anxiety levels? A relaxing day on the beach soaking up vitamin “sea”, snorkeling beneath the surface, kayaking on the lake, and going on a nature hike are all examples of outdoor activities you can do that can have a positive impact on your mental health. Studies have shown that sunshine can boost serotonin levels, which can produce feelings of happiness and better moods.[2] According to the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas at Dallas, sunlight can trigger the release of serotonin, whereas minimal exposure to sunlight is actually linked to higher rates of depression.
Across America, there are countless places in which you can explore the great outdoors and connect with nature. Find a new spot to roam and get out there! Embrace the beauty of nature while lowering stress levels and finding calmness outdoors. Want to get involved in outdoor volunteer opportunities? Visit our website at www.youthenvironmentalalliance.com to get involved!
Also, there are many educational trips that you can be a part of! The Youth Environmental Alliance partners with Green Edventures, an organization which hosts educational tours and trips both across the country and internationally! Last year, Green Edventures hosted a trip to the Galapagos Islands which gave participants a look into all the biodiversity and incredible wildlife of the magnificent islands. Interested in learning more about these trips and events with YEA and Green Edventures? Find the link titled “YEA events” in the references section to find out more!
References:
Volunteer opportunities with YEA
YEA events and Calender
[1] Data gathered from UC Davis Health and the National Library of Medicine shows that being outdoors can positively impact your health https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/3-ways-getting-outside-into-nature-helps-improve-your-health/2023/05 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4204431/
[2] Information gathered from the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas at Dallas shows that sunlight can trigger the release of serotonin. https://centerforbrainhealth.org/article/sunlight-and-your-brain