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Through mental health education and support, we can reduce the rate of suicide in Australia.
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Keeping Mentally Healthy: The Outdoors
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Here in Australia we are blessed with such amazing scenery. From beaches to bush to rain-forest to gorges. The outdoors are associated with reduced anxiety and depression, can help improve mood and self esteem and much more. As I mentioned in the last blog, looking at electronic screens isn't great for our mental health and getting outside is one way we can be more present.
Around 80% of Australians live in the "coastal zone", near the shoreline. If you are one of the many people that enjoy the beach, it has been shown to help focus our senses, lift our mood, lower stress. If you are up for it, taking a dip in cold water can be used to help stimulate dopamine in our brains, which helps us to feel more energetic and active.
For me personally, I love being out in the bush. In a past life, I used to take some small groups hiking on the Bibbulmun Track and I have always felt amazing mentally afterwards.
Unfortunately, these last couple of years, getting out hasn't always been easy so try and think of small things that might help satiate that craving. Getting out into the garden, buying a plant for the house or even just reading a book outside. Sometimes a little bit of sunshine is all you need!
Thanks for reading!
