Let's talk about: Our world & us

let’s

ta l k

about

our world & us

OUR

relationship

with nature through deities

Mbaba Mwana Waresa Zulu, Africa Goddess mother of fertility, rain & rainbows

Geb Egyptian Empire God of earth, vegetation, fertility & earthquakes

Cybele Ancient Greece Goddess of the fertile earth and wild animals

Tonantzin Aztec Empire Mother Earth or Goddess of Sustenance

Asintmah Indigenous Americans Goddess of nature & earth

Feronia Ancient Roman Empire Goddess of wildlife, health & abundance

Bhūmi Hinduism Goddess regarded as Mother Earth

Konohanasakuya-hime Japan Symbol of delicate earthly life

Rangi & Papa Māori, New Zealand The sky father & earth mother

Inspirational quotes about nature

Choose only one master—nature.

Rembrant I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, ‘This is what it is to be happy.’

Sylvia Plath

“

“

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

Albert Einstein

If one way be better than another, that you may be sure is nature’s way.

Aristotle The earth has music for those who listen.

William Shakespeare

Traditional Western Medicine & Treatments

While traditional Western medicine has historically focused on medicines and other therapeutics for people with mental health issues, there’s quite a bit of recent research that demonstrates the benefits of recreating in nature.

Common treatments for low mood, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues are medical prescriptions and talking therapies.

Of course, anyone dealing with mental health issues should reach out to a professional provider for more tailored guidance and support. Getting outside and holidaying in nature can certainly be part of a healthy lifestyle that supports individuals struggling with mental health issues.

Sources: Outforia.com Additional resources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6993091/

Alternative Medicine, Therapy & Treatments

Alternative treatments take a holistic approach, treating the body and wellbeing as a whole.

Complementary therapies are treatments that can be taken alongside the medicines offered by your doctor, such as yoga, pilates, acupuncture and massages.

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, or ASMR as it is commonly known, has become somewhat of an internet phenomenon. A search on YouTube will return thousands of results. Videos typically involve soft, relaxing and ‘triggering’ sounds intending to calm and relieve you of negative thoughts. Studies, although limited, have found promising results, including mood lifts, better sleep and relief from chronic pain.

Sources: mind.org.uk Additional resources: https://www.healthline.com/health/asmr-anxiety#evidence

Simple things that reduce stress and anxiety Getting outdoors is one of the best things you can do to boost your mood and reduce stress, but some simple activities can be done at home to help lift mood, most of which are things we do without too much thought.

Sources: 1 https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/blog/reading-good-mental-health/ 2 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal. pone.0196645#sec032 3 https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/why-musicis-great-for-your-mental-health/ 4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26411900/ 5 https://www.verywellmind.com/how-mental-health-and-cleaning-areconnected-5097496

Reading1

Music2 & ASMR3

Not all of us enjoy reading, but for those who do, reading is a pleasurable activity that is proven to reduce stress, help prevent memory loss, educate and ease symptoms of anxiety and depression.

When you listen to music, your brain releases the feel-good chemical dopamine. The more you enjoy the music, the more dopamine is released.

ASMR helps you destress and relax.

Baking4

Cleaning5

Culinary art therapy (CAT) is a new type of treatment that uses baking and cooking as therapy. It works by focusing the mind on a task that produces an edible result. Yum!

According to a study at Indiana University, USA, a cluttered space can lead to decreased productivity and focus. People with tidier houses tend to be healthier. Time to get hoovering!

l a s t ly ,

let’s

ta l k

about

getting help