How Nature Boosts Your Mind and Mood
Get ready for the grand finale of our incredible Lift Your Mood, Lift Your Life project! We dedicated the month of June to exploring the connections between the great outdoors and our mental well-being.
We chose fun adventures that gave our students the chance to spend time outdoors and experience the wonders of nature. We discovered that spending time in nature had some amazing effects on our mental health:
🌈 Nature brings us joy and boosts our mood
🌱 Being in nature helps us feel calm and relaxed
🦋 Exploring the great outdoors sparks our imagination and creativity
🌻 Nature gives us a break from screens and technology, letting us recharge and connect with the world around us
🏕️ The sights, sounds, and smells of nature can open our minds to a whole new world of wonder and excitement
Our Adventures in Nature:
🎭 Theatre in the Park
We kicked off our June adventures with Theatre in the Park! We watched an amazing play called "Zero Gravity" that explored the issue of climate breakdown and what will happen if we don’t start changing the way we live on Mother Earth. It was fun to experience a play outside in the park, and it really made us think about the world we live in.
🚌 Batoche Field Trip
Our field trip to Batoche was like a journey back in time! Walking through the site, we could imagine what life was like for the Métis people in the past. We had the chance to talk to Métis community members and even helped them with chores on the homestead (luckily, we avoided cleaning out the "thunder mugs"!). It was an unforgettable experience that brought history to life and deepened our understanding of Canada's diverse heritage.
🏠 Birdhouses with Ross Johnson
Led by our enthusiastic guide Ross Johnson, we took part in a fun birdhouse-building adventure. We discovered that constructing birdhouses was a great way to connect with nature and boost our mental health. When we create a cozy home for birds, we not only help them, but we also get to enjoy the sights and sounds of these feathered friends in our own backyard. It's like inviting a little piece of nature into our lives, which can bring joy and a sense of peace. Plus, being creative and working with our hands gave us a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction!
🐦 Birdwatching and Poetry with Ryan Bradshaw
In a related adventure, we delved into the world of birdwatching and poetry with the incredible artist, Ryan Bradshaw. Ryan specializes in crafting poems that will make you laugh, feel, and think. His poems not only promote a healthy self-image but also nurture a deep love and appreciation for nature. Ryan shared his passion for birds and nature with us, and his creativity inspired and ignited our own artistic journeys!
🐒 Forestry Farm
Our trip to the Forestry Farm was an absolute blast! We enjoyed the adorable animals - the butterflies were a big hit! It was a day filled with adventure, laughter, and new discoveries in nature.
🧭 Orienteering with Rachel Ish
Next up was our orienteering adventure with Rachel Ish. Rachel taught us how to use a map and compass to find hidden markers amidst the beauty of nature. We felt like real explorers as we ventured through the trails, relying on our problem-solving skills and teamwork. It was a great opportunity to connect with nature, challenge ourselves, and have a ton of fun in the process. Rachel's expertise and enthusiasm made the whole experience unforgettable!
🛝 Crickle Creek
Last, but not least was a day filled with outdoor fun at Crickle Creek. It was a perfect opportunity to enjoy a picnic, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings. We bounced, laughed, explored, and made unforgettable memories with our friends. What an incredible way to finish off this project (and the school year!) with our friends.
What we learned about Nature this month:
Throughout the month of June, we discovered the incredible power nature holds to boost our well-being 🌱. Spending time outdoors, whether hiking 🥾, exploring parks 🌳, or visiting lakes 🏞️, allowed us to reconnect with the beauty and serenity of the natural world 🌎.
We learned that immersing ourselves in nature can reduce stress 😌, increase happiness 😄, and improve our overall mental and physical health 💪.
Nature became our sanctuary 🌲, providing a sense of peace 🧘♀️, rejuvenation ⚡, and a deeper appreciation for the world around us 🌅. We are grateful for the valuable lessons we learned and will continue to embrace the power of nature to uplift our well-being! 🙌
As we wrap up our Lift Your Mood, Lift Your Life project, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in this incredible journey and made it so unforgettable. Your enthusiasm and support have meant the world to us.
We hope our adventures have inspired you to embrace new experiences, explore your passions, and prioritize your mental well-being.
Remember, the power to lift your mood and lift your life is always within reach.
Keep shining bright! ☀️🌈✨
Check out our other adventures:
🫶 Thank you to The Saskatoon Community Foundation and Cameco for making the Lift Your Mood Lift Your Life project possible!