Improving Your Mood in Nature

Even during a “normal” year, winter weather and longer nights can take a toll on your physical health and mental well-being. This year, we’re facing additional challenges with COVID-19, job losses, virtual learning and working working from home – taking care of our mental well-being is more important than ever.

With increased screen time through work, school and virtual family sessions, it’s critical we give our eyes and minds a break. Spending even a short amount of time outside can help improve your mood, reduce feelings of stress and anger, improve your physical health and even improve your confidence and self-esteem.

Change to Chill has pulled together some ideas to give you and your teens an outdoor break this season:

• Create your own winter scavenger hunt
• Drink hot chocolate or tea outside
• Sled with friends at a safe distance
• Go for a walk in a nearby park or nature center
• Collect twigs and pinecones for decoration
• Upcycle old cake molds and pans to create ice sculptures
• Photograph winter scenes

Or take your family on a mindful walking exercise through the neighborhood!

Talk It Out

Join us for free mental well-being sessions led by Community Leaders, Healers and Counselors. We’ll talk about stress, coping with change and related topics impacting communities in Hennepin County. Learn more and register today.