News Stories

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! While mental health is important to address year-round, Mental Health Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices to broadcast the message that mental health matters. BCCS will be sharing resources throughout the month with staff and families on ways to prioritize your mental health this spring.

---

 

Here are topics and resources to explore this week: Connecting with Nature

 

• Nature is a natural stress buffer. Supporting connection to nature for individuals, families, and communities can support: 

  • Physical health – reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones. 

  • Emotional regulation and reduction in behavior problems. 

  • Social connectedness and belonging.

  • Spiritual development. 

  • Education outcomes – improved attention, problem solving, curiosity, imagination, and engagement.

  •  Reduced rates of violence. 

• Connection to nature can help mitigate the impact of trauma. For example, we use more of our senses when in nature, which helps us be alert and present in the moment, rather than focused on day-to-day stressors and trauma. 

 

Resources:

• Virtual Calming Room: Music & Sounds, Coloring, Visual Relaxation, Exercise & Yoga, and more!

• The Art of Mindful Walking: Slow Down, Breath, Relax

• Natural Resources Education

 

This information is brought to you by the Minnesota Department of Health and MakeItOK.org. Click here to access more resources.