October is Mental Health month and this years theme is ‘Tuning in’. This weeks tip to tune in is GROUND YOURSELF and CONNECT TO THE EARTH 

Connecting with nature has long been known to have positive impacts on mental health and can be an excellent way to Tune In to the world. Connection to Country is a huge part of social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and taking time to connect with the Land in ways that are accessible can help build social and emotional wellbeing. Gardening has been shown to increase levels of hormones that improve mood and decrease stress, and even humble indoor plants can help us feel more connected to the earth.

Connecting to nature can reduce self-consciousness and help you feel more relaxed. Ways you can connect with the earth include: 

• Sitting or lying on the grass in your local park  
• Planting something new in your garden  
• Spend time in nature

We encourage you and your children to tune into the world around you. Enjoy some time in nature this week, spring is a wonderful time to garden or enjoy the great outdoors.