Monday I had the opportunity to spend time outdoors at a state park in thought and reflection. On the way to the park, I read insight from Dr. Mark Hyman on a study regarding the effects of nature on mental health. He said, “It’s clear from studies like this one that getting outside and enjoying nature improves mood, promotes relaxation, and reduces anxiety and depression.” I thought about that statement quite a bit while enjoying the beauty of the state park and the fresh air around me.
Those who know me know that, as a family, we have been visiting the state parks in South Carolina over the past year. It all started because I was looking for a fun, easy course to incorporate into my daughter’s senior year that would be memorable for us as a family. Yes, one of the benefits of homeschooling! Anyway, we decided on an outdoor adventure course that would take us to many state parks here in SC. Over the past year, we have hiked, enjoyed boating, fished, kayaked, gone swimming, camped, grilled under the stars, and spent hours just enjoying the beauty of nature. Some of us have enjoyed it more than others, and each of us had our own highlights on these trips. However, each of us found things that were enjoyable.
On Monday, I had lots of time for reflection as my husband and son were fishing. Many times, I would stay close to them and watch. Monday, though, I was deep in thought so I slowly paddled around the small lake pondering. My mind drifted to my oldest brother. Shawn loved nature! He loved camping, and when we were young he would head off on kayaking or fly fishing trips. If you only knew Shawn in the professional world, you may not peg him as adventurous, but he was. We lost him a few years ago after he suffered an unexpected illness. I think about him all the time, but especially when I’m out in nature.
As I pondered on Monday, my mind drifted to our visits to the state parks. The red canoes at Poinsett that reminded me of Shawn’s bright red kayak. The visit to Table Rock where I would remember hearing of Shawn’s stories from taking his family. Jones Gap, where I would remember walking on rocks in the stream with Shawn and a friend. On and on the memories and stories rushed through my mind. And then, I drifted back to the words from Dr. Hyman…
Shawn’s death had rocked me to my core. I had trauma and hurts and things that I didn’t always want to talk about or share. Yes, I experienced anxiety and depression exacerbated by his loss as well. They say time helps, but healing has to come through conscious work also. What dawned on me out sitting by a stream on Monday was the healing that has come to me just through my visits to the state parks. The peace, the fresh air, the time to think and reflect, the sunshine on my skin, the sound of running water, the crunch of leaves beneath my feet…it was healing. I’m not saying that sometimes we don’t need other means to help us deal with and cope with the stressors and losses in life, but I am saying that nature can be included with those other means. I started this state park journey expecting fun family time, but what I got as a bonus that was not expected was a year of healing in nature. I’m not going to tell you that all the memories that come up don’t cause some pain, loss is painful. Struggling with anxiety and depression is painful. Dealing with stresses in life is painful. But, as I told my mom this morning, there is peace that accompanies feeling what we are struggling with while also trying to enjoy nature and take in the sights, sounds, and fresh air around us.
I don’t know what your struggles may be. I do know that a majority of Americans are faced with stress, anxiety, and depression. I have faced these struggles myself many times during my life. I think that is why I am so passionate about being real and having real conversations. Our mental health is important to our physical health…they are interconnected. So many health problems can be attributed to stressors and how we relate to stress in our lives. If being in nature is one way to combat stress, anxiety, and depression in life, it is a lifestyle change that may be worth incorporating into your life. You don’t have to visit all the state parks in your state, but can you find a park that you enjoy? A trail that leads by a stream? Or maybe just a bench underneath a tree? Will you take just a few minutes of your day to breathe in some peace from nature? Maybe you will find a lovely flower, an interesting butterfly, or a beautiful waterfall along the way. Nonetheless, I trust that just the deep breath of fresh air and the sights and sounds of nature around you will bring some health to your soul.
*Please understand that I am not a counselor or trained as a mental health professional. I urge anyone struggling with depression, anxiety, extreme stress, or any other mental health condition to seek professional help. There are many treatments that can be used alongside lifestyle changes that may benefit you in your journey toward health. Two organizations that provide resources which may be helpful to you are The National Institute of Mental Health and The American Psychiatric Association.
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