Studies show that being in nature can significantly improve mental health, including reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. Not only do people feel happier while they’re in nature, but the effects last long after they’re back indoors as well.
Access to various greenspaces close to home is a crucial component of strengthening mental wellness across populations. Fortunately, southern Michigan has an abundance of natural space ready for exploration throughout the 13 Metroparks locations in the area. Here are five ways that enjoying your Metroparks greenspaces can help combat anxiety.
Get a Daily Dose of Exercise
Perhaps you’ve experienced it yourself—the way a good run or tennis game can improve your mood for the rest of the day. Exercise is one of the best stress-reducers and can directly help those experiencing anxiety.
Researchers at Harvard explain that exercise reduces anxiety in many ways. That’s one reason why it’s so efficient! Exercise engages portions of your brain that help regulate your emotional reactions. It also helps take your mind off other tasks that might be causing the anxiety.
One of the best ways to get exercise? Head outside! At your local Metroparks, you can find miles of trails for hiking and biking, playgrounds to explore with the kids, golf courses, and much more! These amenities offer access to exercise out in nature, further enhancing the anxiety-reducing benefits.
Take a Midday Brain Break
With so many locations throughout the Huron-Clinton area, your Metroparks are easily accessible for a midday brain break. Research shows “how impressive nature’s healing powers can be—just a few moments of green can perk up a tired brain.” Pack a picnic and have your lunch break outside at any of the 13 Metroparks locations. Even if you don’t stay for long, being in nature will help reset your brain for the second half of the day. Work stress is one of the most typical sources of anxiety. Knowing you’ll return to work more productive and focused will more than make up for the travel time to your favorite picnic spot.
Learn a New Outdoor Skill
Take advantage of the opportunities at your Metroparks and learn a new outdoor skill! Activities like horseback riding, disc golf, and canoeing are opportunities to enjoy the calming effects of nature while stretching your brain.
Some research suggests that learning new skills can help your brain better cope with anxiety. You’re practicing how to change your brain’s pathways and responses, making it easier to let go of anxious thoughts. Rather than choosing a new skill that extends your time indoors, pick a fun hobby to share with friends and family in beautiful green spaces.
Attend Events and Build Connections
While being out in nature has a host of benefits on its own, really feeling connected to the space can enhance the mental and emotional boost. Researchers have found that “individuals who are more connected to nature tend to have greater eudaimonic well-being.” In other words, they feel more able to live life according to their values and a sense of purpose—a life well-lived! They feel on track and in control of their own happiness, which can noticeably decrease anxiety or depression.
So, how do you feel connected to nature? One way is to attend events at any of your Metroparks locations and learn alongside peers and experts. Outings like bird watching will teach you to be more in tune with the sounds of nature, while courses about planting native plants in your home garden can help you feel like an active participant in the ecosystem around you.
Enjoy Green and Blue Spaces
Researchers have studied the link between greenspaces and mental wellness for years, but the idea of blue space wellness is just beginning to gain traction. Blue spaces in nature have water elements. According to some studies, they “may even be slightly more restorative than green spaces.”
Luckily, you can experience the benefits from both green and blue spaces at all of your Metroparks locations. Whether you’re spending time on the beach at Lake St. Clair Metropark or kayaking down the Huron River at Dexter-Huron Metropark, your sense of calm and focus will be unbeatable.
Visiting your Metroparks provides countless opportunities to connect with nature and combat anxiety. Head out to your favorite spot today for some mental rejuvenation!
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