Emotional Wellness This Earth Day

Emotional Wellness This Earth Day

Did you know Earth Day is only 55 years old? The holiday became officially recognized in 1970.  It was created to help individuals take time to reflect on our planet's beauty and fragility while taking steps toward a sustainable future. With Earth Day approaching on Tuesday, April 22nd, many people are considering environmental awareness and actions to enhance it. Traditionally, we think of planting trees or flowers to help nurture the planet, maybe swapping out those plastic water bottles for reusable ones. Earth Day is not just about environmental awareness—it's also deeply connected to mental health.  Have you ever thought about Earth Day and what it can do for our emotional and cognitive well-being?

Hello, my name is April Titus, and I am an intern at Mala. I enrolled at Walden University, where I am pursuing two master’s degrees, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. My hopes are to work alongside children to help them blossom through life.

On Earth Day, we are highly encouraged to spend time in nature and do things that positively impact the Earth. Being one with nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Activities like walking in a park, gardening, or simply appreciating the outdoors can improve mood and overall well-being. Personally, I love taking my kids on hikes or bike rides. We love finding treasures in nature through our adventures. Let’s look at some collaborative mental health outdoor activities we can do to promote our mental wellness this Earth Day.

Mindfulness in Nature is a beautiful practice that combines the calming effects of mindfulness with the restorative power of the natural world. We know that spending time outdoors, especially with sunshine, can be therapeutic. Try some of your favorite mindful activities outdoors, such as meditation or journaling. Combining nature with our favorite mindful activity can relax the body while developing a deeper appreciation for the environment. 

Taking on an environmental responsibility can teach us that caring for the Earth can also encourage personal responsibility and empathy. Taking care of the environment can help us connect to the world around us. We can develop a sense of purpose by reducing waste or conserving our resources. We can learn that developing a sense of responsibility for the environment starts at understanding the impact of our own actions. 

Being creative in nature is a great way to connect one’s mind with the outdoors. By making nature-inspired art we are able to process emotions while connecting with the environment. Hands-on experiences can be therapeutic and reinforce the importance of caring for the planet.

These activities align with Earth Day themes and support emotional growth and mental health. One of my favorite wellness activities to practice in nature is gratitude. Being outside already gives me a sense of calmness, which allows me to dive deeper into what gratitude really means and how I can connect with it. I have provided a worksheet that allows you to evaluate things that you love about yourself, challenges you’ve overcome, and people who have helped you to get where you are.  This Earth Day, why not try something new to connect your mind to nature? 

Self-Assessment-for-Assertiveness-Self-Discovery.pdf 
Free Outdoor Walking Meditation: Celebrate Earth Day While Practicing Mindfulness Outside 

References

Jefferson Center for Mental Health. (n.d.). Celebrate Earth Day with mindfulness: Tips for honoring the planet and your mental health. Retrieved from Jefferson Center Mental Health.

Calm Blog. (n.d.). How celebrating Earth Day can improve your peace of mind. Retrieved from Calm Blog.

Ajjan, C. (2025, April 16). How caring for the planet mirrors caring for ourselves. Psychology Today. Retrieved from Psychology Today.

By: April Titus