Earth Day is this Saturday, April 22nd. With spring in the air, it is a great time to get outside to support our community and local environment. But did you know that Earth Day can also have a positive impact on your mental health? Double bonus!
Earth Day is an annual event to promote support for environmental protection. Local groups will typically organize events to clean up or to support environmental initiatives that improve the natural world around us. You can learn more about how Earth Day got started here https://www.earthday.org/
Reduce Anxiety and Improve your Mood
As anxiety therapists at Wellview Counseling in Roswell, we often make suggestions for how people can improve mood and reduce anxiety by changing behaviors. Getting outside and being active are both effective strategies to improve mood and reduce stress. Recent research has revealed that walking among trees can reduce cortisol levels, a stress hormone. Trees give off natural oils that may also boost our immune systems. Hiking, planting trees, or cleaning up a local park can improve both physical and mental health. These activities promote physical activity and exposure to sunlight, both of which can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
In addition, doing something to help someone or to improve our environment may give us an additional mood boost. We can feel positive feelings by doing something with purpose that has a positive effect on the future. By participating in Earth Day events, you are contributing to a greater cause, which can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Being a part of a movement bigger than yourself can help alleviate feelings of isolation or loneliness.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and family and get outside this weekend. You can find Earth Day events in our local area, such as these events below. 
In Roswell, you can visit the Computer Museum of America to recycle your old computer https://www.visitroswellga.com/events/earth-day-celebration-at-computer-museum-of-america/
In Milton, check out their Earth Day festivities at Milton City Park and Preserve where you can stroll the park and enjoy family friendly games.
https://www.miltonga.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/2686/
Need more than a walk with trees to improve your mood? We’d be happy to speak with you about how our compassionate depression therapists can help you start living life with less stress. Give us a call at 678-288-6221 or submit the form to the right and we’ll find a good time to answer your questions about getting started with counseling at Wellview Counseling in Roswell.