Summer Mental Health for the Family - Green Social Prescribing
When we think of summer wellness, we often think of clean eating or gym routines. But what if the best thing for your family’s physical and mental health this summer was simply spending time under a canopy of trees?
A growing public health movement called green social prescribing, highlighted in this Positive News article, is proving what many parents already know, that nature heals. The concept is simple, doctors connect people to nature-based activities to boost their wellbeing.
Forestry England’s "Feel Good in the Forest" initiative has seen incredible results by introducing families and individuals to woodland activities. From trail-walking and cycling to archery and "forest bathing" (quietly soaking in the sights and sounds of the woods), getting outside lowers stress, drops blood pressure, and builds deep family bonds.
You don't need a formal recommendation to take advantage of these benefits. This summer, bypass the crowds and take the family to the nearest spot of nature. Whether you are volunteering to plant trees, teaching a child to ride a bike on a dirt path, or just enjoying a quiet walk, the forest is the perfect place for your family to unplug and thrive together.
Warm regards,
Valerie DeGraw
School Counsellor
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