Improve Your Mental Health with Parks & Recreation
Published on July 04, 2023
Nichole Allen, Recreation Coordinator
Dunedin Parks & Recreation
Now is the perfect time to “Take Time For You.” Mental health heavily influences our quality of life. In the United States, more than 46 million people live with mental health illnesses, according to 2017 data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Research also shows that one in five adults experience a mental health condition in any given year. So it makes sense that mental health, just like physical health, needs to be taken care of and maintained.
Dunedin Parks & Recreation is here to help you on your journey to living your best life! While park and recreation professionals are not typically experts in mental health, agencies play an important role in helping those with mental health challenges. We do this by providing access to parks and green spaces, and working with experts to offer programs and services to help improve your overall well-being, including your mental, physical and social health.
As we recognize May as “Mental Health Awareness Month,” we wish to prioritize mental health, well-being and mindfulness in our service to our community. Dunedin Parks & Recreation offers a wide array of programs, services and opportunities to help improve your mental health and overall well-being.
It’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced day-to-day activities, but taking time to relax your mind and calm your body can go a long way toward making you feel better. Recreational activities can refresh your mind, restore your body and revive your spirit. Simply go for a nice walk or bike ride to breathe in the fresh air, relieve some stress and connect with nature. More time spent in parks and green spaces can help individuals fight against mental health issues like depression, anxiety and stress. Providing access to parks and outdoor programming is a critical way to increase these positive effects on your health and quality of life.
Take time for you. What you have now is the present moment. Make it joyful, happy and full of peace.
Visit www.DunedinGov.com/livewelldunedin to find ideas and opportunities to help calm your mind, restore your body and revive your spirit. We’re here for you and encourage people of all ages to live well physically, mentally and socially.
Browse our Dunedin Parks & Recreation Magazine for our summer schedule of programs, services and events, as well as our community parks, playgrounds and facilities.