Support your 16-24-yr-old’s mental health; Encourage them to be in nature

Nature literally heals the soul…  

There is something so powerful about breathing fresh air deeply into your lungs or feeling the sunlight’s warmth against skin during an early morning run. There is real empowerment which comes being under a wide and open sky, without the demands of modern life: cell phones, computer screens, and the like.    

The natural knows instinctively how to -clear the head for thinking better; which in turn, helps to have a different perspective, and a more grateful attitude. Additionally, the outdoors may conjure memories of a fond childhood, where you ran barefooted and caught fireflies in the mid evening, or enjoyed the thrill of a trampoline ride, without a care in the world.   

It is purely majestic surrounded by nature’s beauty, as the chaos of life drips away. Despite this reality, we, humans that is, do not partake enough.  

And, as new research has demonstrated, this decision unfortunately, is having serious repercussions on our physical and mental health; especially youth, 16-24.  

Researchers have coined this condition Nature Deficit Disorder, according to an article by Newport Academy entitled: “How Nature Supports Teen Mental Health.” They cited inquiry discussing the negatives of teens staying inside too frequently. In addition, the scholars referenced a study, which found that university students had lowered levels of cortisol: “the stress-related chemical” after spending two days in the forest. (See full article link below).    

What is the suggestion then, if you are a parent, caretaker, or someone, who has an ability to influence a young person’s life to support the opposite behavior?

These “Support your 16-24-yr-old’s mental health; Encourage them to be in nature” tips will help.  

 1. Get young people outside by finding an activity that you can do as a family. (It may take a bit of prodding, but do not give up). Start by telling him/her about your own fun adventures.

2. Explain the research mentioned in the cited article and other periodicals, which discusses the impact that stress can have on mental health and happiness in general. (A great idea is to have them research and report back their findings).

3. Most importantly, model the behavior you desire. Put on your running shoes, swing carefree, or just have fun outside.        

Hopefully, learning the latest research, hearing about your fantastic outdoor experiences, and seeing you have fun in the sun, will encourage your 16-24-year-old to do likewise.

Making this one simple decision will dramatically affect their mental well-being, and life overall!         

Thank you for reading.

Your thoughts are very appreciated

Link to Full Article: www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/how-nature-supports-teen-mental-health/

Researcher’s Bio

Karen Bontrager helps 16-24-year-old men make permanent shifts in their behavior from merely surviving in life to thriving through transparent coaching/counseling in one-on-one conversations and in group work, and through topic sensitive workshops. With this ontological approach, I partner with my clients to discover their essence, (aka highest and best self) by powerfully reflecting and listening to them. My clients quickly learn how to generate self-awareness and to voice their own relationship needs in a clear, constructive way by learning key coaching techniques/evidenced based counseling approaches/tools to work past their traumatic events and addictions to move forward. The clients are then equipped to develop healthy relationships with key relationships: parents/siblings/friends, and with intimate dating partners because they have learned how to proactively use their voice.