Theme: nature in the US
August 10
Check in
Going Green - Good for the Earth and You!
On Decompress, we’ve talked about how nature can affect mental health and included activities that are ‘green’ activities. Today’s page focuses on developing green habits that are good for the earth and your mental wellbeing.
Here are your check in questions:
1. What's one thing you do that helps you be green?
2. What's one place you've been to in nature that makes you feel peaceful? How does that place make you feel?
3. What is one thing you feel passionate about? How does that make you feel when you engage in the activity? For me, it's writing and talking about the environment!
Activities
What is going green? And why should I do it?
What is it? It seems kind of vague, right?
Going green usually means seeking out knowledge about practices that don't harm the earth and applying these practices in everyday life. Examples are cutting out red meat from diet, refusing single use plastic, and more!
Going green helps reduce your carbon footprint, reduce pollution, and many other things that may damage the earth.
The environmental benefits of this are discussed plenty. Let’s talk about the mental wellbeing benefits:
1. When we realize our part of the earth and help out, we become a part of something bigger than ourselves. This actually can reduce feelings of anxiety that occurs when one feels out of place or left out.
2. Accomplishments in going green boost self trust. When you see the fruits of your efforts (this can be quite literally if you practice growing your own food!), your body sees this as a signal of your control over your own life, rather than being swept away by wasteful spending or unhelpful habits.
- additionally, you can feel empowered, less anxiety, and less panic. you're doing your small part to help a bigger cause!
3. It helps physical health. Growing your own food helps you control where your food comes from. Biking to school or extracurricular places gives you exercise, another plus for mental wellbeing!
4. It can improve your relationships with friends and family. You can encourage green habits within your social circle, encouraging a sense of community and safe space!
Green habits to try
Starting a vegetable/herb garden
How to grow your own vegetables from food scraps - The Environmentalist
Replace store bought products with sustainable, homemade options
another guide here: how to make your own soap with a few ingredients
How to make your own shampoo bar
3. And more!
The Diet that helps climate change - it doesn’t mean becoming vegan
Switch to better shipping options for online retailers