Psychotherapy, and where warranted, psychotropic medication, can help you work through emotional-psychological issues, relationship difficulties, and the challenges of life. But there are many things you can do to help yourself heal and effectively recover from emotional distress.

Now that Spring is finally here, hopefully we are shifting our focus from indoor activities to outdoor. I don’t just mean attending your child’s soccer game (which is great), but being outdoors, in your yard, on your patio, deck, or in a beautiful park or natural setting. Here in Somerset County, New Jersey we have the magnificent Duke Farms (http://www.DukeFarms.org). But what about enjoying your own yard or garden? I recently took a walk around my yard and was surprised to see a number of plants and trees I had forgotten were there- for example, Honeysuckle, and lots of it, was a happy discovery.

The calming effects of spending time outdoors, in the fresh air, with flowers, trees, and some kind of water feature are tremendous. Think of your favorite park-I bet there is a pond or stream Having some kind of water garden, pond, or pondless waterfall is fun and relaxing. You can have interesting plants, fish, and more in your water feature. Study after study has demonstrated the positive effects of connecting with nature upon blood pressure, pain management, memory, depression, anxiety, and more. Consider creating your own garden sanctuary (either on your own or with a professional pond and landscape designer).

This Spring, if you haven’t done so already, turn off the television, put down your phone, and head outdoors. You may find that you feel better. (If you suffer from allergies, first follow your physician’s advice).

Articles on the therapeutic effects of gardens:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3372556/

Early Spring Pond planted and maintained by Fitz’s Fish Ponds, Bound Brook, NJ

“Slow Down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast-you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” Eddie Cantor”

To read a recent blog about taking mental health breaks on the Holistic Health Counseling Center website click here: Outdoor Mental Health Breaks