THE HEALING POWERS OF NATURE ON MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH

Nature therapy has been proven to heal mental health issues. In this chapter let's explore how reconnecting with the natural world can work wonders for maternal mental health.

Therapeutic Gardens

In the heart of every seed lies the promise of growth and renewal. For mothers seeking solace, therapeutic gardens offer a sanctuary for nurturing both plants and spirits. Here's why:

• Stress Reduction: Digging in the dirt isn't just for plants; it's therapy for the soul. Gardening provides a mindful escape from the pressures of daily life, allowing mothers to unwind and decompress.
• Mood Enhancement: There's magic in watching a seedling stretch towards the sun. Gardening fosters a sense of accomplishment and connection to the earth, boosting mood and self-esteem.
• Bonding Opportunities: Whether it's planting flowers with little ones or swapping gardening tips with fellow moms, cultivating a garden fosters bonds that nourish both relationships and mental well-being.

Ecotherapy and Its Benefits

 Ecotherapy beckons mothers to embrace the great outdoors for a journey towards mental wellness. Here's why it's worth the adventure:

• Natural Stress Relief: In the embrace of towering trees and rustling leaves, stress melts away like dew in the morning sun. Nature's tranquility soothes frazzled nerves, offering a reprieve from the chaos of daily life.
• Mindful Reflection: Amidst nature's splendor, mothers find space for introspection and self-discovery. Whether it's a quiet walk in the woods or a moment of stillness by a babbling brook, ecotherapy invites reflection and renewal.
• Physical Wellness: From invigorating hikes to gentle strolls, nature beckons mothers to move their bodies and nourish their spirits. The fresh air and natural beauty inspire a sense of vitality and well-being.

In the rhythm of nature, mothers find solace, strength, and renewal. Whether it's tending to a garden or wandering through the woods, the healing power of nature offers a sanctuary for maternal mental health. So, let's step outside, breathe deep, and embrace the beauty that surrounds us. After all, in nature's embrace, we find healing for the body, mind, and soul 💚

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Take a look at what our Instagram Family has to say on #healwithnature

@theadventglobal -

"Nature is itself a medication and cure for everything. The sounds, smell, the beauty, and the feel, it’s so relaxing and beautiful in itself ❤️"

"Through all human senses!"

@the.beetshop

"Nature is good for the body and the mind. Gardens are classrooms, homes, and a place for healing."

@aisha_bahga -

"Resilience. Our earth is very resilient." 

@_food_quote_

"With time" 

4. CONSERVE WATER

 Introduction

Water is essential to our daily lives. Whenever water is used, there is a potential for conservation both inside and outside of your home or business. Fresh water is a limited resource, making water conservation an important factor for the environment.

 With population growth, expansion of industry, increasing levels of development activity, and the potential for climate change impacts there is increasing pressure placed on the province’s water resources. Whether you are on a municipal or a private domestic water supply, water conservation is a wise practice. 

Conserving water saves energy. Using less water keeps more in our ecosystems and helps to keep wetland habitats topped up for animals like otters, water voles, herons and fish.

In a nutshell, the conservation of water refers to the careful and sustainable use of water resources to prevent waste, ensure its availability for future generations, and protect ecosystems.

In our next chapters we shall look at the benefits of water conservations and simple ways in which we can conserve water to save our planet. 

Take a look at what our social media family when talking about water conservation:

WhatsApp 

Adam 

" Using water cautiously and not wasting it. " 

Instagram 

@aisha_bagha -

" Reduce water wastage."

@_real_rizwana -

" Not to waste water."

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

"Each drop of water is precious. Can't waste or use in a way that is not beneficial to anyone."  

YOUR FEEDBACK ON VOLUNTEERING

" The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement."

On that note this blog article is an appreciation for all those who have been regularly commenting and sharing their feedbacks on our social media platforms. Thank you for your kind support throughout the years. 

Sharing your knowledge and experiences is part of volunteering and we appreciate all your time and effort in doing so and being part of our family. 

Take a look at some of the feedback received on Volunteering as a way to save the planet: 

@SwecfK

Another way to protect our earth, is by training communities to understand first why we should protect the earth. Because the same communities are the one destroying. If they have knowledge ,then they will understand how to restore and do practically.

@AquaTreeProject

By Planting Trees like we are doing in lake #Victoria catchment in Uganda as @AquaTreeProject and @FishInitiatives

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy 

Join SOL or other organizations to help them to help with the planet.

Giving your time back to the community.

@aisha_bagha

Recycling, reusing and repurposing 

2. VOLUNTEER

Volunteering can also have significant environmental benefits. 

Volunteers often work on conservation or sustainability projects that contribute to the protection and restoration of natural environments. 

This work can help combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable development.

In this chapter we shall take a look at what volunteering means, how we can volunteer, and the benefits of volunteering to the environment. 

Who is a volunteer?

A volunteer is a person who does something, especially helping other people, willingly and without being forced or paid to do it. 

People volunteer in order to help others in need. This type of volunteering is most common in social welfare and in large, formal organizations such as charities. Volunteers are frequently managed in the same way as paid staff, and they are recruited and trained for specific roles.

Whether you are a parent wanting to get back to work, or a retired person wanting to give back to your community or a student who wants to gain experience. The experience and skills gained from volunteering with charities can be invaluable.

Volunteer skills

While you don't require much skillsets to become a volunteer, here's a list that can help you when seeking to volunteer:

• Leadership skills
• Problem-solving
• Organisation & planning
• Communication & interpersonal skills
• Relationship building
• Mentoring skills & training others
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Reporting

So, are you ready to volunteer for a cause of your choice? 

SIMPLE WAYS TO APPLY 3Rs IN YOUR DAILY LIFE

In our previous chapters we saw the importance of Recycling, Reusing and Reducing waste. In this chapter let us take a look at how we can apply the 3Rs in our daily life and protect the environment. 

Ways to reduce the amount of waste you create

1. Only buy what you need, and use what you buy

2. Buy loose fruit and vegetables and avoid items that are heavily packaged

3. Sign up to paperless billing or banking

4. Buy products with refillable packaging

5. If you are able, try home composting your food waste

6. Use refillable water bottles and coffee cups

7. Buy second hand clothing and consider hiring clothing

8. Have a go at replacing buttons and mending faulty zips or fallen hems rather than buying new clothing

9. Buy items that will have a longer life than disposable items, such as rechargeable batteries and use real crockery and cutlery for your parties instead of disposable ones

10. Avoid the use of disposable goods, such as lighters, paper cups and plastics

11. Purchase products made from recycled materials

12. Adopt the use of recycled paper for copier paper, letterhead and newsletters

Ways to reuse

1. Donate items that are still in a good, usable condition to charities or charity shops

2. Repurpose glass, plastic and cardboard containers to give them another life

3. Carry a re-usable shopping bag. Use cloth bags when buying groceries. 

4. Re-use wrapping paper or gift bags

5. Convert old clothing, towels or sheets into cleaning rags/cloths

6. Instead of using plastic wraps, use resalable containers

7. Use dishcloths instead of using paper towels

Let us now take a look at what some of the ways our social media families apply the 3Rs in their lives:

Instagram: 

@aisha_bagha -

" 1. Reusing scrap paper for writing notes. 

2. Buy loose fresh food as per our needs rather than pre-packaged. "

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

"Try to reuse stuff as much as possible"

@motivated_mamaof3 -

"Go Digital!"

Facebook:

Mary Jean Ernst -

" I no longer buy laundry detergent in plastic jugs. I use the dry laundry sheets, instead & have for past 3 years. I've tried about every brand and they all seem to work. I'm currently using Clearalif...bought on Amazon. However, I've used Earth Breeze & other well advertised brands. They are all good, but some seem to be more powerful on really dirty greasy boys & men's jeans.....Clearalif for one! "

SIMPLE ACTIONS TO SAVE THE EARTH

 Protecting our planet starts with you. Before we go to the elaborate methods of trying to fight climate change and stop pollution, let us focus on the easy first steps anyone can take to protect our planet. 

This series will take a look at a few of the actions we can take, but first let us take a look at the reasons why we need to protect our planet. 

The first main reason being there is no other planet! If we destroy this one where will we live? where will our children live? Where will our great-great-grandchildren live?! We want to live happily and peacefully on our green-blue planet 😊

All the beauty Earth has been providing us with is dying, we need to protect all these dying species that make our Earth unique from all the other planets. 

Our health is increasingly being tested by the various new and ever mutating viruses and diseases. A healthy planet leads to a healthy life. This makes our fight against pollution so critical. All sorts of diseases and the most nuisance of it all, cancer, are becoming deadlier and more common then ever. An infant dying of cancer is the most devastating news you can hear these days testing our mental health. 

These are just some of the main reasons, there are infinite more. We might find other habitable planets in the near future but as for now this is the only planet with food, water and oxygen, not forgetting peace, love and happiness. Lets get together and love and protect it 💚

Let's take a look at what our Instagram family has to say about the simple actions taken to save the Earth: 

@zainab_akadir -

" Planting trees " 

@aisha_bagha -

" Protect the ecosystem: one of the ways is to declog the environment by recycling, reusing."

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

" Keep the environment clean "