Chronic stress, depression, anxiety, loneliness, irritability, memory, attention, poor sleep. Do you or your loved one suffer from any of these issues? The good news is that spending some time with nature can help you to combat them!
When was the last time you spent time out in nature? Odds are, it may have been awhile, especially if you are caregiving for someone. Getting out and about with someone who may have mobility or cognitive issues can be challenging but rewarding. Here are a few resources and ideas to help you add some nature into your life.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an interactive website and map that show the variety of accessible recreation opportunities, including adaptive equipment. There are parks within the state that offer accessible campsites, cabins, fishing piers, and universal trails. Learn more at dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/openoutdoors/recreation.
Options for Independent Living offers equipment and opportunities to promote equal access to the outdoors through their Adaptive Adventures Program. They have many pieces of equipment that can make getting out into a green or blue space possible, including a Track Chair, a Terrain Hopper, a Firefly attachment for a manual wheelchair (so it becomes like an E-bike), an E-Tricke, and two tricycles. Coming soon are an adaptive kayak and a Huckleberry Hiking Cascade Cart! Learn more at optionsil.org.
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is free, open year-round, and offers paved, wheelchair accessible trails. Buildings are also accessible and they offer a free wheelchair for use on site. Learn more at greenbaywi.gov/1311/accessibility.
Green Bay Botanical Garden has paved walkways in approximately 20 of its 47 acres of garden areas. They also offer wheelchairs and motorized scooters for free use as well as a low-sensory area for those need a quiet space. Learn more at gbbg.org/visit/plan-your-visit.
Caring for someone with dementia? Visit our interactive map of Purple Angel trained locations to find dementia-friendly places to visit. Learn more at adrcofbrowncounty.org/purple-angel.
Want to get some of the benefits of nature in between your time outside? Some research has shown that just looking outside or at a picture of the outdoors can also be healing. Listening to the sounds of nature (crashing waves, rainfall, crickets) can also be beneficial. You can trying streaming some nature videos on YouTube or looking for an app for your smart device.
Give one or more of these ideas a try and connect with nature – and your loved one!
Sources:
mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/
apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
