The Healing Power of Nature

Cara hangin’ with some of some her buddies.

The beach and ocean have always been an escape and source of stress relief to me. As a child I spent many weekends there and as an adult this remains a place of relaxation and refuge for me. Although my career is not focused on marine conservation, it has been always been a passion of mine to create a better world for the next generation. As a specialist in mental health, I spend a lot of time teaching others relaxation techniques to manage anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and stress. One technique I am found to say most often is “GO OUTSIDE”.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that stress impacts everyone and long term stress can have negative impacts on both your physical and mental health. During 2020 the amount and impact of stress has significantly increased. This is due to many things including isolation, illness and fear of illness, changes in work and school environment, and an inability to use many of the techniques that have assisted us with managing stress previously. With all of this being said there are still many things that we CAN do, one of which is spending time outside and, depending where you live, going to the beach!

While at the beach I encourage you to notice and use your five senses. Identify 5 things that you see, 4 things that you hear, 3 things that you smell, 2 things you physically feel, and 1 thing you can taste. This technique can also be used if you are not able to go to the beach, but can mentally visualize being at the beach and/or swimming in the ocean.

Due to the current weather in the Northeast not allowing as much beach time, I use visual imagery to think about scuba diving for the first time. When I close my eyes and picture that memory I use my 5 senses in order to make the imagery feel more real.

My hope is that by assisting in the pursuit of higher education for future marine conservationists, we will foster more positive moments and memories in our oceans to assist in increasing the mental health of future generations.