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Nature and its role in your mental health

Posted by Lisa Lucier, Moderator @lisalucier, Oct 30, 2017

My family and I just returned from a trip to Hot Springs and Lake Ouachita, Arkansas, as well as a visit to see family who live on a country property in the South.

It occurred to me after walks among Arkansas’ beautiful trees, boating on the peaceful and glass-like Lake Ouachita, and then sitting outside reading my book surrounded by ponds and foliage on our relatives’ property that a good infusion of nature really helps me relax, put aside any anxieties and uplift my spirits.

I’ve also noted that over time, members on Mayo Clinic Connect, like @paracat , @predictable , @rosemarya , @artscaping , @johnbishop, @windwalker, @amberpep, @virtuous69, @megan123, @parus, @hopeful33250, @IndianaScott, @disneyfan and @peach414144 have all mentioned nature or posted photos of elements of the outside world.

I suspect that others also find that nature has positive effects in their lives. Wondering if you would share what you feel the role of nature has been in your mental health?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.

peach414144 | @peach414144 | Nov 1, 2017
In reply to @amberpep "I absolutely love the woods. Just the smell, the little plants people usually don't take the..." + (show)
@amberpep

I absolutely love the woods. Just the smell, the little plants people usually don't take the time to look at, walks for enjoyment. The house my now X and I built, which we've been out of for 15 years and sold when we split up, was located in what they call a climactic forest which means the trees had never been cut. We had some oak trees that were enormous around and tall, tall, tall. We built a screened porch on the back and I just savored the time I could sit out there at night, smell the night air, hear the birds going to bed, and watch the bats come out swooping around. I loved it. Sitting on a log, reading a good book is heaven ..... of course I'd also need a glass of sweet tea.
abby

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oh yes, this forest has brown bats as well. the beauty never stops. some of the oaks are 85 feet tall. (watch out for the storms). monday nights when the cub scouts and the boy scouts meet just on the other side of the small forest my dogs and cats sit and listen to the goings on and seem to enjoy it. the birds go still and quiet and all seem to wait for their turn. another living world is going on outside our homes.

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Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Nov 2, 2017
In reply to @johnbishop "I used to really like backpacking when we lived in California and I was a gazillion..." + (show)
@johnbishop

I used to really like backpacking when we lived in California and I was a gazillion years younger. My favorite hiking area was the Sierras in Kern county. Since my legs keep me from doing much walking I’ve found a friend in my outside window in my computer room. I set up a couple of bird feeders and am always reminded of how beautiful nature can be and at the same time how some of God’s little creatures struggle just as much and maybe more than we do. One particular day I was feeling a little down and looked out the window and saw a squirrel with a bot fly tumor on his neck. It was winter and I threw extra sunflower seeds for him under the feeder since I added a guard to keep him off. And it’s an extra joy for me when I see a pleated wood pecker.

John

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Jim@jmhd-I just wanted to say hi to a San Joaquin native. I haven't heard the word "Chowchilla" in years. Although born in Montana, I grew up in Merced throughout my school years and graduated from Fresno State University. Yosemite really defines me.....my love of hiking, the outdoors and the glacial landscape. I was there at least once a month or so for so many years. I have a photo of me standing next to our car feeding a deer on the valley floor. There is not another car in sight. Those were the days. My "little Yosemite" is Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains where I live now. Tahquitz Rock isn't quite Half Dome but it is stalwart and spectacular. I am also fortunate to have a home on the Mississippi River in MN...complete with 7 acres and lots to do. I too have had to reduce my efforts outdoors because of Small Fiber Neuropathy and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome...some of which came from falling down a mountain or two. Thank goodness I can still enjoy the river views from the deck and get to see the Pileateds and other seasonal birds...cedar waxwings, finches, orioles, and of course eagles, red shouldered hawks, barred owls and lots of friendly deer. My Myofascial Pain Release Therapist tells me to walk on the earth once a day.....to be connected in mind, body and spirit to nature. That ritual, along with meditation, yoga and mindfulness has protected and ensured my enjoyment of all things natural.

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Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Nov 2, 2017
In reply to @johnbishop "I used to really like backpacking when we lived in California and I was a gazillion..." + (show)
@johnbishop

I used to really like backpacking when we lived in California and I was a gazillion years younger. My favorite hiking area was the Sierras in Kern county. Since my legs keep me from doing much walking I’ve found a friend in my outside window in my computer room. I set up a couple of bird feeders and am always reminded of how beautiful nature can be and at the same time how some of God’s little creatures struggle just as much and maybe more than we do. One particular day I was feeling a little down and looked out the window and saw a squirrel with a bot fly tumor on his neck. It was winter and I threw extra sunflower seeds for him under the feeder since I added a guard to keep him off. And it’s an extra joy for me when I see a pleated wood pecker.

John

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@artscaping - Chris, we miss being close to Yosemite. We have a ton of beautiful photos taken by my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and the many I took. But there are beautiful places all around Oregon to enjoy. I watch the sun set over the Cascades from my recliner, enjoy watching the horses and cows either on our place or the neighbors'. At night we get coyote concerts - really too close for comfort. And there are all kinds of birds. And, unfortunately, deer. Years ago, I thought Bambi when I saw one. Now I see garden marauders. The badgers moved in this summer, which is good in that they feed on the invasive ground squirrels, but they make huge holes. Maybe the coyotes will thin out the badgers.

Nature is wonderful, but it can be messy, too.

Jim

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peach414144 | @peach414144 | Nov 2, 2017
In reply to @johnbishop "I used to really like backpacking when we lived in California and I was a gazillion..." + (show)
@johnbishop

I used to really like backpacking when we lived in California and I was a gazillion years younger. My favorite hiking area was the Sierras in Kern county. Since my legs keep me from doing much walking I’ve found a friend in my outside window in my computer room. I set up a couple of bird feeders and am always reminded of how beautiful nature can be and at the same time how some of God’s little creatures struggle just as much and maybe more than we do. One particular day I was feeling a little down and looked out the window and saw a squirrel with a bot fly tumor on his neck. It was winter and I threw extra sunflower seeds for him under the feeder since I added a guard to keep him off. And it’s an extra joy for me when I see a pleated wood pecker.

John

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hello jmhd. just to bring in a little bit of humor. i watched the "jackie gleason" show for many years when he refers to "the yellow bellied sapsucker" as a bit of humor in his show. just decided to see if there really is such bird. does it exist? i looked it up and YES there is such a bird and i think i saw one at my bird feeder. another small miracle of life. .

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Parus | @parus | Feb 19, 2019

Nothing like going back in time and reviewing. What a pleasant reminder!!

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lioness | @lioness | Feb 19, 2019

@lisalucier Every weekend we would go to our cabin 8miles in from road and walk in woods it was wonderful and relaxing just looking at Brook and all .I forgot about all the stress and problems

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Feb 19, 2019
In reply to @lioness "@lisalucier Every weekend we would go to our cabin 8miles in from road and walk in..." + (show)
@lioness

@lisalucier Every weekend we would go to our cabin 8miles in from road and walk in woods it was wonderful and relaxing just looking at Brook and all .I forgot about all the stress and problems

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@lioness Sounds like that location would make for a good painting!

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lioness | @lioness | Feb 19, 2019

@hopeful33250 I,ll seeing I can create a painting good suggestion

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Feb 19, 2019
In reply to @lioness "@hopeful33250 I,ll seeing I can create a painting good suggestion" + (show)
@lioness

@hopeful33250 I,ll seeing I can create a painting good suggestion

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Yeah!! Looking forward to seeing it, @lioness

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