Nature

One of the most intriguing areas of current research is the impact of nature on general wellbeing. In one study in Mind, 95% of those interviewed said their mood improved after spending time outside, changing from depressed, stressed, and anxious to more calm and balanced. Other studies show that time in nature or scenes of nature are associated with a positive mood, and psychological wellbeing, meaningfulness, and vitality.

Furthermore, time in nature or viewing nature scenes increases our ability to pay attention. Because humans find nature inherently interesting, we can naturally focus on what we are experiencing out in nature. This also provides a respite for our overactive minds, refreshing us for new tasks.

Play

In his book Play, author and psychiatrist Stuart Brown, MD, compares play to oxygen: "...it's all around us, yet goes mostly unnoticed or unappreciated until it's missing."

Playing releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that help us stay on an even keel or even feel happy as we go through our day.

Playing together regularly builds trust, as we start to understand that our friends and teammates have our back and we'll take care of them, too. 

Play restores our vitality, supports our immune system, and gives us energy for the rest of the day. 

It aslo opens us up to new experiences and new ideas that our "inner editor" tries to silence. 

Wellbeing

To be effective, wellbeing must be holistic - working on the mind, body, and soul simultaneously to positively affect the root of the problem and ensure the effects are lasting. The real key is that wellbeing practices calm the body so it can naturally begin to heal itself and the mind. When the body's balance is restored, recovery times are faster and greater relief is experienced.

Sample Practices:

Movement - Yoga, Quigong

Energy work - Acupuncture, EFT

Mindfulness/Meditation

Moai

A moai is an informal group created by people who commit to offer emotional, social or even financial assistance to one another. The concept originated when farmers would meet on a regular basis to discuss the best ways to plant crops and how to support one another should their crops fail.

Today, members of these social cooperatives meet one another's practical needs-problem-solving, planning, pooling resources and collaborating. They also serve as extended family where social and emotional needs are met-managing a crisis, reducing stress, connecting emotionally and, at times, assuaging grief. Essentially, a moai is a group of people who "have your back" and commit to all aspects of your well-being.