Brighton Hospice Presents
Grounding Yourself in Nature
Self-Care During COVID-19
When you’re stressed or having a bad day, practicing self-care by spending time in nature can really make a difference. Kala Gattuso and Rachel Radtke of Brighton Hospice in Brookfield, Wisconsin remind us that just 10 minutes spent outside, whether walking, sitting, or gardening, helps to slow the heart rate and lower stress levels.
“My method of relaxing and bringing down my stress level…is to spend time out in my garden,” says Rachel.
For those who don’t have the option or inclination to garden, it can be just as helpful to your mental health to surround yourself with greenery indoors. Kala suggests inviting nature inside by “bringing in plants or flowers to your home or whatever workspace you’re working with.”
“And if you don’t feel like watering,” says Rachel, “faux plants can have much the same effect as real plants.”For an extra calming element to your day, Kala demonstrates a Mindfulness Breathing exercise to practice outside or surrounded by your houseplants.
