nature for wellbeing
One of the greatest crises of our time is the rise in mental health issues. Growing stress, anxiety and mental illness are linked to the fact that we have become disconnected – within society and in particular nature.
Mental health is defined by the World Health Organization as “a state of well-being in which [an] individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”.
We need to restore a sense of mental health and wellbeing and rekindle our relationship with nature more than we do now as it seems that preservation of the health of our planet and the prevention of disease and promotion of human health and wellbeing are increasingly intertwined and must be supported and promoted much more.
There is increasing value in nearby nature. Evidence shows that direct experiences of nature can enhance our sense of wellbeing and benefit our physical and mental health, particularly to reduce anxiety. There is also ‘wildness’ in nature nearby, in everyday nature that may be considered ‘mundane’ yet the same urban nature is often most at risk.
This website is work in progress and a journey through what Hailey Park has to offer for all of us, the event that is starting this, while considering the research and ideas to increase your own mental health and wellbeing by connecting yourself with nature through just being among it, being active even if its just walking or through art and other creative ideas. Most importantly its about how the park and its nature can help many in small or even greater ways with their health and wellbeing.
Mental health is defined by the World Health Organization as “a state of well-being in which [an] individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”.
We need to restore a sense of mental health and wellbeing and rekindle our relationship with nature more than we do now as it seems that preservation of the health of our planet and the prevention of disease and promotion of human health and wellbeing are increasingly intertwined and must be supported and promoted much more.
There is increasing value in nearby nature. Evidence shows that direct experiences of nature can enhance our sense of wellbeing and benefit our physical and mental health, particularly to reduce anxiety. There is also ‘wildness’ in nature nearby, in everyday nature that may be considered ‘mundane’ yet the same urban nature is often most at risk.
This website is work in progress and a journey through what Hailey Park has to offer for all of us, the event that is starting this, while considering the research and ideas to increase your own mental health and wellbeing by connecting yourself with nature through just being among it, being active even if its just walking or through art and other creative ideas. Most importantly its about how the park and its nature can help many in small or even greater ways with their health and wellbeing.
