 Have you ever noticed how much better you feel after a hike or beach adventure in Leelanau County?
There is no hiding the direct relationship between spending time in nature and the enhancement of personal well-being. Research in a scientific field called ecotherapy has shown a strong connection between time spent in nature and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. A 2019 article published in Scientific Reports claimed: "spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and well-being." The study reported 'good' health and 'high' well-being were significantly higher for all who had nature contact. Psychological research like this is advancing our understanding of how time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition. We are fortunate to be surrounded by community members and visitors who care about protecting and preserving the land, water, scenic character of Leelanau County. Because of places like the National Parks, State Parks, Township and Village Parks, and the Leelanau Conservancy preserves, generations to come will have the opportunity to enjoy natural landscapes and partake in experiences that benefit their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being by moving the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit in nature. If you are looking for places to explore nature in Leelanau County here are some resources: Leelanau Conservancy Leo Creek Preserve Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Leelanau State Park Heritage Trail Leelanau Trail Township and Village Parks Where is your favorite place to spend time in nature? How do you feel after 20-30 minutes in nature? Let us know below.
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 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has identified eight wellness dimensions to optimize an individual’s overall holistic wellness.
The dimensions are the following: Physical: Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep Emotional: Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships Social: Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system Spiritual: Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life Intellectual: Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills Occupational: Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work Financial: Satisfaction with current and future financial situations Environmental: Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being As a Collective, we aim to foster community, connection, and resources to promote wellness across the above dimensions. We encourage using our collective as a resource for individuals on their journey of creating personal harmony in all eight dimensions. It is essential to set goals to achieve holistic personal wellness. All individuals should incorporate their priorities, approaches, and aspirations in their self-care practices. Additionally, we feel each individual should consider their view of what it means to live life to its fullest. The questions we ask ourselves and the focus we take on maintaining our health are vital in understanding our bodies, minds, and souls. The outcome being the ability to take care of ourselves to our fullest potential.  During this pandemic, our lives have been disrupted as we are encouraged to social distance and modify much of our active behavior. Humans are designed to move our bodies and interact with each other. For our own well-being we need to exercise both our bodies and our minds, which also includes our emotions. A frequent yoga practice can play a critical role in helping us overcome the increased stress and burdens placed upon us at this time. "Yoga can be used as both a tool to move through the additional stress we are experiencing during this time, and also a framework for how to process a huge shift in the world and communicate along the way." - Peloton Yoga instructor Chelsea Jackson Roberts A 2018 Study found that depression, anxiety, and stress decreased significantly in women after 12 sessions of regular yoga, while a 2017 study determined that workers who took yoga classes for two to four months experienced significant reductions in stress and all psychological health measures. |
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January 2021
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