May is for mental health
This post was originally published on April 30, 2018. It was updated on May 1, 2019.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. In Canada, May 6-12, 2019, is Mental Health Week.
The mental health of everyone benefits from regularly spending time outside, but with children the research shows dramatic results, including:
- Their overall stress levels decline.
- Time outside provides a break from the mental fatigue of school.
- They demonstrate greater resilience and self-regulation.
- They develop skills for dealing with stress later in life.
- ADHD effects are mitigated with as little as 20 minutes in nature.
Active for Life developed this postcard in collaboration with the Alberta Council for Environmental Education and ACT to support an event took place on May 11, 2018. This “pedestrian parade” celebrates positive mental health for all.
i love this postcard ” It’s in our nature to play” couldn’t have phrased it better. and lovely child laughing in the picture playing outside amongst trees!
Hi Active for Life,
In Canada, it’s actually Mental Health Week (they call it Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, so sometimes it gets confused).
Thanks for your support.
Katherine Janson
National Director of Communications
Canadian Mental Health Association
Thanks, Katherine, for clarifying that. We’ve updated the article accordingly.