Mental health and wellbeing

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Studies have shown that people who don’t spend much time in nature experience higher levels of depression and anxiety, mental fatigue and stress.  </span></p> <p><span></span><span>Regular contact with nature and the outdoors can play an important preventive role in mental health by reducing stress and increasing quality of life. The mental health benefits of physical exercise are well known and exercising outdoors in natural settings provides a wide range of psychological and cognitive benefits. Whether it be a gentle mindfulness walk in your local park or a hike through rugged terrain, spending time in green spaces will leave you feeling happier and healthier. </span></p> <p><span></span><span>Mindfulness is the act of remaining engaged in the present moment, which can help decrease stress and anxiety, improve concentration and a sense of calm. Natural settings are great for mindful practice! </span></p> <p><span></span><span>The Japanese mindfulness concept of Shinrin-yoku or ‘forest-bathing’ is the act of immersing yourself in nature to improve health and wellbeing. Japanese doctors often recommend this for its restorative effect on both the mind and body.  Whether you are in an urban park or national park, the key is to stay in the present moment and experience the natural environment using all your senses – sight, sound, smell, touch.  </span></p> <p><span></span><span>Listening to sounds in nature, including birdsongs, and <a href="/things-to-do/wildlife-viewing">observing animals</a> in nature has also been shown to promote wellbeing, reduce stress, improve mood, and reduce attention fatigue. Natural aromas from wood and plants have calming effects too. </span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <h4><span>So how can you improve your mental health in parks? </span></h4> <ul> <li>Take a self-guided mindfulness walk using these <a href="/things-to-do/walking/mindfulness-walks-in-nature">tips</a>, or join one of our guided mindfulness walks.</li> <li>Slow down to the pace of the river on a <a href="/things-to-do/canoeing-and-kayaking">canoe</a> trip through one of our beautiful parks.</li> <li> <span>Soak in the scenery with a <a href="/things-to-do/horse-riding">horse ride</a> in one our peaceful parks, reserves, and forests across Victoria. </span></li> <li><span></span><span>Connect to others to improve wellbeing. Try <a href="/get-into-nature/volunteering">volunteering</a> or joining a regular <a href="/healthy-parks-healthy-people/park-walks">guided walk</a>. </span></li> <li><span></span><span>Take a break from modern life and <a href="/where-to-stay/camping">camp</a> in the wilderness. </span></li> </ul> <p><span> </span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="component card-listing "> <div class="component-content"> <div class="container"> <h3>Things to do to support your mental health and wellbeing</h3> <div class="rich-text"><span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222;">Here are some things you can try that may help to look after your mental health and wellbeing.</span></div> <div class="cards"> <div class="cards__track"> <div class="card"> <div class="card__frame"> <a href="/healthy-parks-healthy-people/nature-benefits/mental-health-and-wellbeing/forest-bathing" ><img src="/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/images/places-to-see/yarra-ranges-national-park/ferns-and-mountain-ash-forest-yarra-ranges-national-park-black-spur-1920x1124.jpg?rev=3ad1ebb515dd4c188578e1215f5dd3ed&la=en&h=450&w=768&hash=F3AAF5FC5BDEF41093EDCB087289A4A5" class="card__image" alt="The green ferns and mountain ash that line the roads of the black spur." /></a> </div> <div class="card__content"> <h4 class="card__title"> <a href="/healthy-parks-healthy-people/nature-benefits/mental-health-and-wellbeing/forest-bathing" >Forest bathing</a> </h4> <div class="card__description"> Being in a forest is a treat for the senses but did you know it’s also good for your health? </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card__frame"> <a href="/things-to-do/walking" ><img src="/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/images/places-to-see/alpine-national-park/3-walking-alpine-natinal-park-bogong-1920x1124.jpg?rev=1e38c028b366434ea8654cbae747c97b&la=en&h=450&w=768&hash=DEDD030F47361CDFF8D61120A93C99A0" class="card__image" alt="Two women follow the path through scrub up Mt Bogong with mountain views in the distance." /></a> </div> <div class="card__content"> <h4 class="card__title"> <a href="/things-to-do/walking" >Walking</a> </h4> <div class="card__description"> Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or something long-distance, there are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability. </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card__frame"> <a href="/things-to-do/walking/mindfulness-walks-in-nature" title="Mindfulness walks in nature" ><img src="/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/images/places-to-see/dandenong-ranges-national-park/2-walking-dandenong-ranges-national-park-1920x1124.jpg?rev=06066a3f70764c42ab100eef15c79a97&la=en&h=450&w=768&hash=FCFBB5EE5A0313B2822DD90FB4B4701C" class="card__image" alt="Two women in activewear follow a path through tall mountain ash trees." /></a> </div> <div class="card__content"> <h4 class="card__title"> <a href="/things-to-do/walking/mindfulness-walks-in-nature" title="Mindfulness walks in nature" >Mindfulness walks in nature</a> </h4> <div class="card__description"> The health benefits of spending time in nature are now widely accepted. Mindfulness walks take this a step further and help you slow down and focus on the present moment - each step, each breath – feeling calm and relaxed. </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card__frame"> <a href="/things-to-do/birdwatching" title="Bird watching" ><img src="/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/images/flora-and-fauna/bird-watching-1920x1124.jpg?rev=cd5c4401decb40b58db04da2ce20d7cf&la=en&h=450&w=768&hash=2B4FB5BB4DABAAEB64027296C1BA96E8" class="card__image" alt="Father and son bird watching on boardwalk" /></a> </div> <div class="card__content"> <h4 class="card__title"> <a href="/things-to-do/birdwatching" title="Bird watching" >Bird watching</a> </h4> <div class="card__description"> From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot. </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card__frame"> <a href="/get-into-nature/volunteering" title="Volunteering" ><img src="/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/images/corporate-site/volunteering/get_involved-volunteers_planting-wattle_park.jpg?rev=5f47cd498d5041449b440ad64fb0d906&la=en&h=450&w=768&hash=2414020A2B48A7E542585AD93C066C05" class="card__image" alt="Three women in casual clothing holding seedlings" /></a> </div> <div class="card__content"> <h4 class="card__title"> <a href="/get-into-nature/volunteering" title="Volunteering" >Volunteering</a> </h4> <div class="card__description"> Discover hundreds of exciting volunteer opportunities around Victoria and learn about groups working in your local area. There are volunteer activities for every age group, skill and ability type. </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card__frame"> <a href="/things-to-do/sunrises-and-sunsets" title="Sunrises and sunsets" ><img src="/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/images/things-to-do/sunrises-sunsets/sunset-mount-buffalo-national-park-1920x1124.jpg?rev=e10985859a9d4fbe930a6a7cb1c9565b&la=en&h=450&w=768&hash=103E551B1B4E878D5AA0FC4165D21757" class="card__image" alt="A couple watch the sunset at a picnic table on the edge of Lake Catani at Mount Buffalo National Park." /></a> </div> <div class="card__content"> <h4 class="card__title"> <a href="/things-to-do/sunrises-and-sunsets" title="Sunrises and sunsets" >Sunrises and sunsets</a> </h4> <div class="card__description"> Spectacular sunsets from the summits and to west, and picturesque sunrises in the east , top-and-tail your day the perfect way. </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card__frame"> <a href="/things-to-do/botanic-gardens" ><img src="/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/images/places-to-see/dandenong-ranges-botanic-garden/3-couple-walking-dandenong-ranges-botanical-garden-1920x1124.jpg?rev=a71eb3de1a3c41a8912194d8e1212540&la=en&h=450&w=768&hash=354A56EF4C3ECAEDD706EDE046D024F9" class="card__image" alt="A man with an afro wearing a leather jacket follows a woman wearing a cream knitted jumper up the garden steps and into an opening in the Dandenong Ranges Botanical Gardens." /></a> </div> <div class="card__content"> <h4 class="card__title"> <a href="/things-to-do/botanic-gardens" >Botanic gardens</a> </h4> <div class="card__description"> Stroll through magnificent gardens that promise to delight all year round. Make sure you return to see the treasures that come with changing seasons. </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card__frame"> <a href="/things-to-do/stargazing" target="|Custom" title="Stargazing" ><img src="/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/images/things-to-do/stargazing/star-gazing-murray-sunset-national-park-1920x1124.jpg?rev=95bf8b79baae4ca5a1d186109e1a652d&la=en&h=450&w=768&hash=78DF632B0219C5206F8F70EC366EEAD1" class="card__image" alt="Stargazing in the Murray Sunset National Park." /></a> </div> <div class="card__content"> <h4 class="card__title"> <a href="/things-to-do/stargazing" target="|Custom" title="Stargazing" >Stargazing</a> </h4> <div class="card__description"> Escape the city lights to remote nature locations to see the spectacular starry southern night sky. </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card__frame"> <a href="/things-to-do/hiking-and-bushwalking" ><img src="/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/images/places-to-see/alpine-national-park/2-hiking-lookout-alpine-national-park-1920x1124.jpg?rev=9da99a07089444e09a330ee6be4e387b&la=en&h=450&w=768&hash=D5102799DF7555B57CD3DE042CEBA6FE" class="card__image" alt="A couple in their thirties take in the view along Dead Timber Track." /></a> </div> <div class="card__content"> <h4 class="card__title"> <a href="/things-to-do/hiking-and-bushwalking" >Hiking and bushwalking</a> </h4> <div class="card__description"> Witness breathtaking natural scenery at some of Victoria’s most iconic places when you lace up your boots and take to a hiking trail. </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cards__controls"> <button class="cards__arrow cards__prev">Previous</button> <div class="cards__paging"></div> <button class="cards__arrow cards__next">Next</button> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="component back-to-top"> <div class="component-content"> <button class="back-to-top__button button 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