When was the last time you went to a park? Do you take breaks during your day to go outside? Is your home or office filled with green plants? It turns out that all of these activities are good for our mental health.
At Image Reborn Foundation, we believe in the profound healing power of nature. Our renewal retreats are thoughtfully hosted in stunning locations where attendees can immerse themselves in the natural beauty around them. Whether it’s the majestic mountains of Utah and Colorado or the serene beaches of Texas, our retreat settings offer the perfect backdrop for healing and renewal. We’re also thrilled to host our first retreat in Florida, next to the tranquil Atlantic Ocean.
A growing body of research shows that spending time in nature significantly benefits mental health. A 2015 Stanford University study found that people who walked for 90 minutes in a natural area experienced decreased activity in brain regions associated with depression compared to those who walked in a high-traffic urban setting. Nature-rich experiences not only reduce stress but also restore attention, helping our brains to focus better and improve overall cognitive function.
Additionally, nature interactions promote well-being and positive emotions. For instance, a 2021 survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that simply viewing nature from windows or spending time outdoors was linked to higher levels of self-reported positive emotions. These findings are supported by a University of Iowa study, which found that access to nature was associated with greater well-being among participants.
Health professionals are increasingly recognizing these benefits, with some even prescribing time in nature as a treatment for various mental health conditions. Known as “nature prescriptions,” these recommendations encourage patients to spend time outdoors to improve their mental and physical health.
At Image Reborn Foundation, our retreats harness the restorative power of nature, offering participants a chance to connect deeply with the environment and themselves. We invite you to join us in these beautiful, natural settings to experience the profound benefits that nature can bring to your mental well-being.
Explore the transformative power of nature with us and discover the peace, renewal, and healing that our retreats provide. You are worthy, empowered, and not alone. Let the natural world be your guide on this journey of recovery and renewal.