6 Steps To Use Nature For Self-Care Mental health problems affect one in four of us, yet many people are still afraid to talk about it. Research reveals that environments can increase or reduce our stress, which in turn impacts our bodies. Being in natur

Mental health problems affect one in four of us, yet many people are still afraid to talk about it. Research reveals that environments can increase or reduce our stress, which in turn impacts our bodies. Being in nature reduces anger, fear, stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing. Below are 6 ways you can use nature for some much-needed self-care.

1. Connect Outdoors

Nature has this calming and enchanting effect. Building stronger, broader social connections in your life by connecting outdoors can increase your feelings of happiness and self-worth. Walking is also a great way to start having a conversation with others and opening up if you are struggling. Get Fit 4 Mental Wellness run weekly walking events on a Wednesday and Sunday which is the perfect place to connect with new people and enjoy a walk and chat.

2. Grow

Growing plants gives a motive, something to take care of; a reminder to always keep going and growing. Plants have numerous wellbeing benefits such as increased productivity, reduced stress levels and boosted moods, gardening is one of the healthiest hobbies you can develop. The seed paper from our candle packaging is the perfect way to get into gardening and grow beautiful wildflowers

3. Inhale

When you can’t take a walk through the forest or visit the beach, an essential oil blend can help recreate the scenic surroundings you might be missing. Certain scents can trigger strong physical and emotional responses and can be the perfect way to bring the outdoors in. Our Unwind candle contains Lavender essential oil which connects with a calming outdoor feeling,

4. Exercise

Exercise outdoors feels less strenuous than similar exercise indoors, which, in turn, pushes you closer to your maximum performance. Fresh outdoor air and natural light invigorate and provide more energy for the mind and body! Sunshine naturally increases serotonin, a hormone that affects your mood. And exercise itself produces endorphins, another feel-good hormone that boosts your mood and reduces pain. Outdoor exercise can also be turned into a social outing, it can be more fun when you exercise with friends and family!

5. Create

Use the outdoors to be creative, increase your sense of connection with the outdoors by taking photos, writing, drawing or painting pictures of the landscape, plants or animals. Noticing the beauty of nature and expressing this creatively can help you find meaning and an emotional connection to nature that will stay with you for a lifetime. Being outdoors allows time for quiet contemplation, meditation, and mindfulness of your surroundings, and improves our ability for sustained concentration. As well as benefiting your mental health, outdoor creativity also benefits your physical health, giving you a great excuse to spend time exploring the outdoors.

6. Mindfulness

Find a quiet spot outside where you feel safe and focus on your breath flowing in and out, focus your mind on the smells and sounds around you. Each of our candles comes with its own unique meditation video, which is easily accessible through the QR code on the packaging, allowing you to light your candle and use the meditation videos. Our meditation videos are the perfect way to focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts