GETTING OUTSIDE CAN HELP YOU FEEL BETTER WOOD YOU BE-LEAF IT?!
Many of us neglect our mental health because we’ve desensitized ourselves to stress, instead teaching ourselves to “white knuckle” through the day. However, if you knew a better way to manage your stress, you could loosen the reigns more, right? Well, when was the last time you spent some time outside? Whether it’s going on a hike, tending to your garden, or riding a bike, research reveals the positive effects on your mental health of spending time outdoors. IMPROVED OVERALL MOOD Everyone occasionally falls into a “funk.” And while it’s normal to experience that mood at times, it shouldn’t be a constant feeling.
A 2010 study revealed that exercising in nature for just five minutes improved self-esteem and overall mood. Experiencing nature often makes people feel grounded and more connected to the Earth, leading to feelings of happiness and a sense of purpose. A separate study revealed that participants who went on nature walks had increased positive emotions after the walk. POSITIVE BRAIN STIMULATION When you spend time outdoors, taking in the sunlight and fresh air, your body releases the feel-good hormone serotonin in return. Many antidepressant medications work by inhibiting reabsorption of this key neurotransmitter. Additionally, sunlight activates melatonin release, which helps regulate our internal clock. The more sunlight we get each day, the more our bodies know when it’s time to go to bed. ENHANCED FOCUS AND ATTENTION Whether at home or in the office, our brains can go a mile a minute, focusing on everything except the task at hand. While you’re supposed to be working on a PowerPoint presentation, your brain thinks about the new tire you need and the pile of dirty dishes in the sink. A 2020 study found that spending time in nature can calm the mind, allowing for enhanced focus. Further studies on outdoor play settings stated that children with ADHD were calmer after playing in green spaces than in other settings. There is no love in this world like a mother’s love for her child. It is fierce and unbreakable, and it is beautiful. And yet, even the strongest mother has her limits. I worry about her more than I worry about Mason. Mason is fighting his own battles in whatever dream state he’s trapped in. But Bev? Bev is living this nightmare in real time. The exhaustion. The stress. The heartbreak. I don’t know what the future holds. Progress is slow, almost imperceptible. But there is progress. And for now, that has to be enough.
... CONTINUED FROM COVER
He was not better or healed, but they couldn’t handle him anymore. Please come get him.
I didn’t know you could get kicked out of a hospital when you were sick. I’m learning a lot of new things.
The state of Nebraska has been an incredible support. I’ll never complain about our taxes again. Mason needs full-time care — more than one person can provide — but the state gives us 140 hours a week of in-home assistance. It’s not enough, but it’s something.
Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your support.
The rest falls on us. And by “us,” I mostly mean Bev. Bev, my wife. His mother. The force that keeps him alive.
Somewhere in the pain, exhaustion, and uncertainty — there is grace. There is grace in all of this.
She is with him always . Even when sitters are here, she is the one holding him, comforting him, and monitoring his every breath. She does this while working from home as a physical therapist for veterans in remote locations. She is tireless — superhuman. I fell in love with Bev years ago for many reasons, but her strength was one of them. And I have never seen her shine as much as she does now.
And love.
–Christopher J. Grimmond
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