I get tired of downing supplements and pills, tired of being so careful about what I eat, tired of compression socks and ice vests, tired of adhering to a sleep schedule, and tired of pacing my activities.
In early May I scored 13 out 30 on a NHS questionnaire and suggested I was once agin in a depression episode. I’d previously heard about a local charity called Dose of Nature that helps people who are struggling physically and/or mentally to connect more with nature.... so I got my local doctor to prescribe me a 10 week course with Dose of Nature. A volunteer befriends me and we just spending time in nature together every week. It helps on a number of levels as you point out in your blog but also a social connection plus you feel safe. I had my first 2 hours with Sally in a garden in the middle of Bushy Park.... google map it and you can imagine us sitting under a tree by one of the ponds 😊
If you want to read about the charity as part of your research it’s at www.doseofnature.org.uk
Thank you for sharing this, Kath! I’d love to hear more about your experiences. I was actually just on their website a few days ago - they offer so many helpful resources!
Around September, I stumbled across adult coloring books. I researched for the best books to color, the best affordable pencils, watch tons of you tube videos on how to color! So many of the pictures are of nature, flowers, animals,trees etc. Whenever I go for a walk, I'm always looking at the leaves, how the sun hits the leaves, the colors of the flowers. It has become a great comfort for me to color and has certainly has made me enjoy and appreciate all of the outdoors.
I love this! It sounds like such a soothing, restful way to spend time, and it’s cool that it’s changing how you see the world even when you aren’t coloring.
I have become a crazy houseplant lady…. I’m probably up to 40 plants and some of them are as precious as my children. 😂 I feel so relaxed when I get my fingers full of dirt! This was something I never would have done prior to Covid… my reframe!
Funny how you’ve already discovered them or maybe I’ve mentioned them before?! Can’t remember ... Covid brain! I’ll email you with extra snippets as I have my sessions 😁
Please do! I don't think you ever told me about it, but one of my assignments for my forest bathing guide program linked to the website, so I spent some time there.
You literally read my mind. Having a down day and said these exact words to myself a few moments ago (e.g., tired of doing all these things to feel slightly better). It feels comforting to know someone understands my experience. With a long weekend ahead, I plan to try to connect with nature. Thank you for the advice.
Hi friend
In early May I scored 13 out 30 on a NHS questionnaire and suggested I was once agin in a depression episode. I’d previously heard about a local charity called Dose of Nature that helps people who are struggling physically and/or mentally to connect more with nature.... so I got my local doctor to prescribe me a 10 week course with Dose of Nature. A volunteer befriends me and we just spending time in nature together every week. It helps on a number of levels as you point out in your blog but also a social connection plus you feel safe. I had my first 2 hours with Sally in a garden in the middle of Bushy Park.... google map it and you can imagine us sitting under a tree by one of the ponds 😊
If you want to read about the charity as part of your research it’s at www.doseofnature.org.uk
xx
Thank you for sharing this, Kath! I’d love to hear more about your experiences. I was actually just on their website a few days ago - they offer so many helpful resources!
Around September, I stumbled across adult coloring books. I researched for the best books to color, the best affordable pencils, watch tons of you tube videos on how to color! So many of the pictures are of nature, flowers, animals,trees etc. Whenever I go for a walk, I'm always looking at the leaves, how the sun hits the leaves, the colors of the flowers. It has become a great comfort for me to color and has certainly has made me enjoy and appreciate all of the outdoors.
I love this! It sounds like such a soothing, restful way to spend time, and it’s cool that it’s changing how you see the world even when you aren’t coloring.
I have become a crazy houseplant lady…. I’m probably up to 40 plants and some of them are as precious as my children. 😂 I feel so relaxed when I get my fingers full of dirt! This was something I never would have done prior to Covid… my reframe!
Hi, Lisa! If you do another forest bathing walk, definitely put me on the list as interested! <3
Funny how you’ve already discovered them or maybe I’ve mentioned them before?! Can’t remember ... Covid brain! I’ll email you with extra snippets as I have my sessions 😁
Please do! I don't think you ever told me about it, but one of my assignments for my forest bathing guide program linked to the website, so I spent some time there.
You literally read my mind. Having a down day and said these exact words to myself a few moments ago (e.g., tired of doing all these things to feel slightly better). It feels comforting to know someone understands my experience. With a long weekend ahead, I plan to try to connect with nature. Thank you for the advice.
I hope that your time outside will feel enjoyable and healing! ❤️