I don’t think I have ever been more grateful to live in Vermont than I have over the last year! I, like many other people, found myself struggling with heightened levels of worry, stress and anxiety during the pandemic. Fortunately for me, getting out in nature has always been an effective way to destress and here in Windham County, we were able to continue to access green spaces safely during the pandemic. Those who live in more populated areas throughout the world were not so lucky, outdoor spaces were closed down. This loss of access has made people more aware of the need for and benefits of spending time outdoors.
Knowing how I struggled, I am not surprised to read articles about the lingering impact that the pandemic has had on the mental wellness of young people. Parents continue to report higher levels than normal of stress, anxiety and depression specifically. Helping them find ways to cope is critical and depending on the child, addressing these issues may require professional intervention.
For a list of mental health resources, visit: https://www.onecarevt.org/public-resources/.
For those of us who might just need an occasional “reset”, studies have shown that spending just 20-30 minutes outside can improve our overall wellbeing. Getting outdoors can reduce cortisol levels, the chemical in our bodies that causes stress, while boosting levels of Serotonin, our body’s natural mood stabilizer. These chemical resets can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety while boosting our mood. Spending time outdoors also helps our mind to decompress and rest.
For information about the health benefits of spending time in the outdoors, visit: https://www.lifeworkscc.com/mental-health-benefits-outdoors/
So, what kinds of outdoor activities are best? Studies suggest that it doesn’t really matter – take a walk, sit in the shade under a tree, work in the garden, swim/bike/hike. Our friends at Rise VT Windham County, are offering a Come Alive Outside Summer Passport that helps families explore their local community with fun activities. Children earn points and win prizes for visiting local parks, trails, gardens, farmers markets and more, by completing tasks in their passports. Our local libraries are also great resources for outdoor fun and many have free passes to parks and museums for members.
Visit the Rise VT website for more information (https://risevt.org/risevt-counties/windham-county/).
Whether you go for a big adventure, or keep it simple like a backyard picnic or stargazing, the simple act of getting ourselves outdoors may be just the reset we need!