Self-Guided Activities

• Bringing Natural Elements Indoors: Are you looking for ways to connect with nature indoors this winter? In this short video, Dr. Joseph Blanda shares simple tips for bringing natural elements into your space and explores how they can boost your health and well-being.

• Take a mindfulness walk: Explore local trails, parks, and neighborhood greenspaces, each offering a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. When walking or sitting in nature, try to focus on what your senses are detecting. If your thoughts drift back to stressful events, try focusing on your breath.  Check out a few suggested trails and walking paths in Summit County by clicking here.

• Spend time observing birds outside, using mindful birding techniques: Observe birds in a local park, outside your window, or on your favorite trail. Do your best to take it slow and stay in the moment. Focus on your senses: what do you see, hear, and smell? Learn more by visiting the Mindful Birding Network’s website. If you are interested in attracting birds to your backyard, check out this helpful overview from our partners at Summit County Master Gardeners on how to enjoy birds at birdfeeders.

• Practice mindful gardening or yardwork: Native plant gardening is a simple way to practice mindfulness while supporting local ecosystems. To learn more about native plants in Northeast Ohio, check out this helpful resource from our partners at Summit County Master Gardeners. By focusing on the sensory experiences of gardening, such as feeling the soil, listening to the birds, and observing plant growth, you can cultivate a sense of mindfulness. If gardening is not your thing, you can also practice mindfulness in basic yard work such as weeding, raking leaves, or sweeping a walkway by noticing the sounds, smells, and textures around you. For more tips, check out “How to Unwind by Doing Mindful Yard Work” on The Science of Happiness podcast or dive into The Well-Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-Smith.

• Design an indoor naturescape: Create a peaceful indoor environment by adding plants, a terrarium, and a diffuser with natural essential oils to your favorite relaxation spot at home. Enhance the ambiance with calming music (such as Dan Gibson’s Solitudes), a small library, and your favorite tea. Check out these simple instructions from Dr. Blanda. 

• Participate in our daily nature challenge: Immerse yourself in nature for 18 minutes each day to fully experience the wide-ranging benefits for your health and well-being. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll through a local park, embarking on a rejuvenating hike in the woods, or simply enjoying the sunlight in your backyard, studies have shown that prioritizing 120 minutes of outdoor time each week can enhance your physical and mental health.

• Practice yoga outdoors: Practicing yoga outdoors provides an opportunity to connect with nature while contributing to your overall physical health. The fresh air and natural surroundings, coupled with meditation and exercise, can enhance mindfulness, promote emotional well-being, and improve physical health.

• Explore the Arts in Nature: Research shows that engaging in arts like writing, reading poetry, or drawing in natural settings can reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being. Combining art with nature can also help you foster a better sense of connection to the environment! U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón’s signature project titled “You Are Here: Poetry in Parks” exemplifies this practice, encouraging people to connect with nature through poetry. Take a trip to the Ledges Shelter at CVNP to view an installation of Jean Valentine’s poem “The valley” on a picnic table. You can also visit The Gallery’s latest exhibition from the Museum of Creative Human Art (MOCHA), Tender Roots. This new exhibition, located in the heart of CVNP, incorporates the healing qualities of the natural world. To learn more about this exhibition and the artists, please click here.

• Take a few moments to simply watch the clouds: Cloud watching has been linked to stress reduction, relaxation, and improved mood. Simply looking out your window and watching the clouds can encourage mindfulness and promote a connection with nature. By stepping outside and observing the clouds, you can also enjoy the many health benefits of vitamin D.