the wellbeing benefits of a picnic
NATIONAL PICNIC MONTH
National Picnic Month is a celebration that encourages people to enjoy the great outdoors, relish in good company, and savour their favourite nutritious foods.
2024 sees National Picnic Month takes place throughout July, at the height of British summer time.
This event, held in the summer, provides a unique opportunity to combine the joys of nature with the benefits of social interaction and healthy eating.
We will explore how National Picnic Month can significantly enhance mental health through three fundamental pillars: emotional well-being, social connectivity, and physical health.
The Therapeutic Power of Nature
Nature has an unparalleled ability to calm the mind and lift the spirit. Numerous studies have shown that spending time outdoors can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. National Picnic Week encourages people to leave behind the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in natural surroundings.
“Numerous studies have shown that spending time outdoors can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression”
There is something very simplistic and nostalgic about a picnic - appreciating the small things like shapes of the clouds, the rustling of the trees that offer shelter and the simple act of sitting on a blanket feeling the grass beneath your feet can be profoundly therapeutic
Grounding, also known as earthing, is a therapeutic technique that involves activities designed to "ground" or electrically reconnect individuals to the earth. This practice is based on the idea that direct physical contact with the earth's surface can have numerous health benefits.
Exposure to natural environments has been linked to lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
The tranquility of a park, beach or forest can induce a state of relaxation, promoting mindfulness and reducing mental fatigue.
This kind of environment encourages mindfulness, allowing individuals to be present in the moment and appreciate the beauty around them.
This mindful engagement with nature can improve mood, increase energy levels, and foster a sense of peace and contentment.
Learn more here…
Social Connectivity
Meaningful connections with others are crucial for mental health. National Picnic Month is an excellent opportunity to strengthen these bonds by gathering with friends, family, or even meeting new people.
Engaging in conversations, sharing laughter, and participating in group activities during a picnic can release endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. These social interactions can also foster a sense of community and support, which are essential for emotional resilience.
Building and maintaining strong relationships through shared experiences, such as a picnic, can provide emotional support during tough times and contribute to overall happiness and life satisfaction.
“participating in group activities during a picnic can release endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.”
Face to face interactions foster meaningful connections, emotional support and a sense of community which digital interactions often lack. Being social in person helps reduce screen time, which can help us engage more deeply. These in person experiences, drawing us away from screens, allows us to be more present and attentive to our surroundings and the people around us.
Nourishing the Body and Mind
Nutrition plays a critical role in mental health, and a well-planned picnic can offer an array of healthy food choices. National Picnic Month can be an occasion to indulge in a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, which are all known to support mental well-being.
Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety. These foods are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are vital for brain health. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids found in nuts and seeds can improve mood and cognitive function, while complex carbohydrates from whole grains can provide sustained energy and stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing mood swings.
Wholesome World focuses on improving health and wellbeing through nutritional understanding, alongside pushing the awareness of authorised medicinal research.
The cook book is full of delicious and nutrition recipes, some that are quick and easy and perfect for the picnic basket.
“vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are vital for brain health.”
Moreover, preparing and sharing healthy meals during a picnic can reinforce positive eating habits and promote a balanced diet. The act of eating together also encourages mindful eating, where individuals pay more attention to their food choices and eating patterns, contributing to better digestion and appreciation of food.
Here are some of our favourite Wholesome World recipes, perfect for your picnic basket and full of nutritional benefits:
TAKEN FROM THE WHOLESOME WORLD DIARY
Avocado’s are a fantastic addition to almost any plate, they provide important unsaturated fat, sterols and stanols for keeping cholesterol in check, decreasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Pomegranates are one of the healthiest fruits, improving memory and antibacterial properties which may fight infections.
TAKEN FROM THE WHOLESOME WORLD DIARY
The classic Wholesome World app addiction to seeds is Nut Free for so many of this worlds’ allergy, but manages to push simple, good low cost, easily creates recipes.
The seeds are there not only for taste, but are valuable sources of fibre and provide us with a wealth of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.
TAKEN FROM THE WHOLESOME WORLD DIARY
These little snacks were compiled after trying to easily boost my unhungry self immediately, but to actually to have an aspect of the food that would delay the body process, and keep the energy until a smidge later too.
The less needed for a longer time in the day when compared to the new age treats like chocolate bars and even many nutri-bars that you’d buy en route.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.