Can nature really bring us happiness? Sarah and Tess discuss why they believe nature can bring us true happiness and the ways they use nature to increase their own happiness, and the ways science has shown it to be incredibly beneficial to our overall mental health and wellbeing.
Main points about what we discussed in this episode:
Enjoying nature, especially water and hiking in mountains and forests
Sarah’s going back to nature during and after COVID
Tess talks about how spending time in nature supported her when she was younger to release anxiety and find joy
According to the UK’s Mental Health Foundation 2021 study, 45% of UK adults said that connecting with nature has been very helpful in managing and supporting their mental health during the pandemic.
A 2019 UK study in Scientific Reports showed that people who spent 2 recreational hours in nature in a week reported greater health and wellbeing.
Having house plants can increase our happiness levels.
Sharing the connection with nature with others can be incredibly beneficial, as well
Spending time in nature doesn’t have to be a huge excursion, it could even just be 10 minutes a day going out into the garden or walking in a local park, or just noticing nature around you
Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, emerged in Japan in the 1980s (oops, Tess was a decade off!) , and is a way to support the population’s mental and physical wellbeing
Interested in joining Tess on a hiking and yoga retreat in the natural paradise of Spain? Click the link to find out more information about Yogatrek Asturias
This week’s Happy Edit Tool: Go for a walk outside and take in all the nature you can through your senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.
Happiness isn't just being happy, it's an embodied feeling that starts with how we approach life, our actions and our mindset. Everyone has a range of emotions and that’s a good thing. Join The Happy Edit Sisters as they dive into what it means to be happy and how we can build a foundation for happiness through different lenses.
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About the Hosts:
Tess Jewell-Larsen, E-RYT 200, RPYT, C-IAYT candidate, is a Stress & Burnout coach who empowers women professionals, small business owners and high-achievers to leave burnout and stress in the ashes while they achieve balance, clarity, and creativity in their work and daily life.
For a Free 1:1 Burnout Breakthrough session book here: https://tessjewelllarsen.coach/
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Sarah Finnegan, MBACP (Accred), Dip Couns, PgDip CBT, PgDip SFP, is a qualified person centred counsellor, cognitive behavioural therapist and systemic family practitioner. Sarah offers short and long therapy to individuals, couples, families and groups in a safe and confidential environment.
Connect with Sarah through the Counselling Directory or the BACP Directory
The Happy Edit Podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice. If you are experiencing serious mental health concerns or considering self-harm, please seek help from your primary healthcare provider or call your local emergency services immediately. For global suicide hotlines, please click here
