This Mental Health Fix Is Free, Natural, and Probably in Your Backyard
Nature-Based Activities Show Fast Mental Health Benefits
“Researchers have found that nature-based activities can improve mood and reduce anxiety in people with mild to moderate mental health conditions, in as little as 12 weeks.
The findings come from a UK government-backed initiative aimed at improving mental health care through “green social prescribing.” Seven pilot sites were set up across England, including one in Humber and North Yorkshire—the first to publish results from the national program.
Green social prescribing involves healthcare professionals referring patients to nature-based community activities – such as GARDENING, walking groups, or outdoor mindfulness sessions – as a way to support mental health alongside traditional treatments. While still in the testing phase, early results suggest these program could become a valuable addition to mental health services across the country.”
https://scitechdaily.com/this-mental-health-fix-is-free-natural-and-probably-in-your-backyard/
https://www.ruralsprout.com/edible-wild-plants-spring/
I am a firm believer that gardening and being outdoors in general helps with depression. In the winter, although it gets very cold sometimes, we bundle up and walk for a few miles nearly every day. There were days this year, when being outside for 30 minutes was enough. For me, though, it’s absolutely necessary. I am a sun lover (and a Son lover) and in winter time, there’s not a lot of it here in the Midwest. Although I enjoy a good snow, it’s the lack of sunshine that always gets me “blue”. I take extra vitamin D3 and that helps some, too, but I think getting outside is very helpful.