THE LEAFLET

November 2, 2020 /
Jona Elwell

Ideas for a Tree-Based Mental Health Break

Election years are always a bit exhausting, but this year is something else entirely. Everywhere you look things seem a bit topsy turvy. This can make even the best of us feel anxious, lost, and just plain icky. While we’re not professionals, we’re recommending what we always do: enjoy nature (even if it is just in your yard or online!). Even when you’re safely six feet away from folks you can reap the benefits of nature and being outdoors on your mental state can truly work wonders. 

Here are a few ways we recommend safely enjoying nature for the time being:

  • Plan a foliage filled tree walk with our Fall Showstoppers of DC Map! This map highlights the five showstopper fall color trees, as well as trees with significant fall color that we and/or the Urban Forestry Division of DDOT have planted.
  • Learn something new in our online classes focused on the trees of Washington, DC. From common species found to steps to identify them, our quick and digestible Your City, Your Trees classes will give you the tools to find and explore the trees around you, even if it’s just outside your front door. 
  • Need a good book to read on a porch or in a park or backyard? We have quite the list of books featuring trees.
  • Want some tunes for your walk, indoor workout, or gardening adventures? Don’t miss our Tree-mendous Tunes playlist full of songs with trees in them.
  • While you connect with friends, family and colleagues over the internet, be sure to connect with us too! You can follow us for urban forestry news on Facebook, comical snippets on Twitter, tree memes on Instagram, and even for a laugh on TikTok!

Finding that bit of green space in cities or spending time in nature visiting rural areas may do more than provide a temporary escape from concrete, steel and glass – it can boost your mental state and helps out your health!