How Nature Heals Anxious Children

A World of Worries

Children today are more than aware of the tensions in the world.

News of terror attacks, bombings, school shootings and other frightening events are almost inescapable, even for the littlest ones.

Graphic images linger in many children’s minds, haunting them long after the news or social media apps are turned off.

Some children may experience physical symptoms of stress or anxiety like

• Headache
• Upset Stomach
• Racing Heart
• Dry Mouth
• Muscle tension
• Shaking
• Trouble sleeping

Others may experience emotional symptoms of anxiety

• Anger
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Intense alertness
• Tension

When children are anxious they may present behavioral challenges or withdraw.

 A Universe of Healing

It’s nice to know you can

• Reduce your child’s anxiety
• Ease feelings of sadness and unease
• Promote sensory integration and
• Improve emotional regulation

Here’s how:

Give your child extended time in nature.

Not with an adult agenda.

Not as part of an organized team.

I’m talking about extended, uninterrupted time to

• Run through a grassy meadow
• Climb a tree
• Walk on a winding path through the woods
• Or sit on a fallen log, listening to the whisper of the creek beneath their feet

Nature heals anxiety and depression and offers children and adults peace for their minds, bodies and spirits.

In fact, a recent article in the Wall Street Journal discusses a group of people called “forest bathers” who believe that immersion in nature is an antidote to stress.

“Bathing” seems to be a misnomer; what they’re talking about is being surrounded by trees…breathing in their healing elements that reduce heart rate and blood pressure and increase the immune system.

It’s also been called “eco-therapy” and while research studies haven’t been conclusive, It makes sense.

Have you ever spent time in nature and NOT felt calm, peaceful and more connected to a higher power?

The movement, started in Japan, but now becoming popular across the world, even by some Hollywood A-listers, has people talking.

 

My latest post is about TimberNook, an award-winning nature-based program gaining popularity in the U.S and around the globe.

I wouldn’t really call it forest bathing, but the kids participating in TimberNook programs are about as immersed in nature as you can get:

• knee-deep in mud puddles
• swinging on vines
• trekking barefoot through a winding creek.

Over 8.1K readers have read my complete article on the healing power of nature on Abilities.com.

It’s been shared around the world and by The Children and Nature Network.

Here’s the link.

How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Heals Children

Peace,

Jan