In stressful life situations, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, people need and often turn to resources to recover, cope, find hope, meaning and perspective in their lives. Even daily life stressors affect mental and physical health of people worldwide, and they need beneficial strategies and reliable interventions. Many are not aware of their own resources and thus have more difficulties finding ways to cope and adjust. Perception of nature, urban green spaces, forests and gardens, and also times of relaxation and reflections, as well as consciously chosen periods of stillness and calm may be beneficial.
In this Research Topic we focus on both, conscious perceptions of nature as a resource (i.e. urban green spaces, forest walks, gardening) and also times of silence to reflect (i.e. in terms of meditation, mindful walking) which may stimulate a variety of emotional responses. Particularly during the pandemic related social distancing, many people relied on perceptive times in nature which contributed to their wellbeing and lowered their stress perception. Experiencing nature is also a form of distraction from everyday worries, so that one may feel ‘healthy’ and content for a period of time. Such conscious times of awareness were further related to perceptions of wondering awe, feelings of gratitude and prosocial behaviors, and may thus have an effect on mental health when these perceptions are trained. – However, what when these resources are not available or when people are unaware that these may be of benefit for them? How can they be supported, by whom, and by which strategies? Are there differences in the respective needs, perceptions and outcomes related to gender, developmental and life-span aspects or age, socioeconomic status, mental health conditions, area of living, etc.?
As these resources may contribute to a person´s resilience, epigenetics, meaning in life, positive mood states, and thus mental wellbeing, we are further interested in the felt needs for, and in interventions to promote these experiences. The health promoting effects of mindfulness interventions are well known, yet they are not easily applicable to all persons outside of specific courses. As the outdoor environment influences mood states and reduces psychological distress, and as physical activity such as sports or even simple gardening contribute to a person´s wellbeing, easily accessible and low cost interventions that can be applied without great effort are in the foreground of interest. Therefore, this Research Topic welcomes original research and review papers contributing to novel perspectives on the impact of such resources on mental health in various social groups from different cultures and countries.
In stressful life situations, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, people need and often turn to resources to recover, cope, find hope, meaning and perspective in their lives. Even daily life stressors affect mental and physical health of people worldwide, and they need beneficial strategies and reliable interventions. Many are not aware of their own resources and thus have more difficulties finding ways to cope and adjust. Perception of nature, urban green spaces, forests and gardens, and also times of relaxation and reflections, as well as consciously chosen periods of stillness and calm may be beneficial.
In this Research Topic we focus on both, conscious perceptions of nature as a resource (i.e. urban green spaces, forest walks, gardening) and also times of silence to reflect (i.e. in terms of meditation, mindful walking) which may stimulate a variety of emotional responses. Particularly during the pandemic related social distancing, many people relied on perceptive times in nature which contributed to their wellbeing and lowered their stress perception. Experiencing nature is also a form of distraction from everyday worries, so that one may feel ‘healthy’ and content for a period of time. Such conscious times of awareness were further related to perceptions of wondering awe, feelings of gratitude and prosocial behaviors, and may thus have an effect on mental health when these perceptions are trained. – However, what when these resources are not available or when people are unaware that these may be of benefit for them? How can they be supported, by whom, and by which strategies? Are there differences in the respective needs, perceptions and outcomes related to gender, developmental and life-span aspects or age, socioeconomic status, mental health conditions, area of living, etc.?
As these resources may contribute to a person´s resilience, epigenetics, meaning in life, positive mood states, and thus mental wellbeing, we are further interested in the felt needs for, and in interventions to promote these experiences. The health promoting effects of mindfulness interventions are well known, yet they are not easily applicable to all persons outside of specific courses. As the outdoor environment influences mood states and reduces psychological distress, and as physical activity such as sports or even simple gardening contribute to a person´s wellbeing, easily accessible and low cost interventions that can be applied without great effort are in the foreground of interest. Therefore, this Research Topic welcomes original research and review papers contributing to novel perspectives on the impact of such resources on mental health in various social groups from different cultures and countries.
