Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote actions to protect our planet. It serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of the environment and fostering sustainable practices in daily life.
Earth Day focuses on increasing awareness of issues like climate change, deforestation, pollution and biodiversity loss. It aims to engage communities and inspire people to take action towards a healthier planet, by promoting practices such as recycling, clean energy use and conservation.
At Field of Mind, we believe in the importance of the outdoors. Without it, our mission would not be able to happen.
Here is a list of 5 Simple Ways that you can celebrate Earth Day today!
Ditch your shoes and go barefoot for 10 minutes!
Walking barefoot, also called earthing or grounding, may reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and help balance cortisol levels by allowing the body to absorb the Earth’s surface electrons (Chevalier et al., 2012). Take your shoes off and walk around a natural space. Spread your toes out and feel all the different textures underneath you!
Spend some time getting to know a tree.
Trees emit phytoncides—natural chemicals shown to reduce anxiety and support immune function. Combined with deep breathing, time under trees can greatly enhance relaxation and overall well-being (Li, 2010). Feel the bark, smell the leaves and listen to the leaves rustling in the wind. Observe how different animals interact with the tree, is it the home of any birds?
Take your journal outside!
Writing in nature can support emotional processing, mindfulness, and mental clarity. Natural settings are proven to reduce attention fatigue and promote reflection (Kaplan and Kaplan, 1989). Write about your surroundings or what the world means to you.
Pick up some litter.
Even small acts of care for the Earth can enhance a sense of purpose, connection, and psychological well-being (Nisbet and Zelenski, 2011). Head out with an empty carrier bag and try to fill it. Turn it into a competition with children or friends to see who can fill a bag the quickest!
Express your gratitude to Mother Nature herself!
Practicing gratitude activates areas of the brain linked to empathy, happiness, and self-awareness. When directed toward nature, gratitude also deepens our ecological identity and connection to place (Emmons and McCullough, 2003). Stand in an empty field or at the top of a hill and find a moment to express your gratitude for having such a beautiful home!
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