IT’S NOT TOO COLD TO GO OUTSIDE NATURE CALLS US TO ITS HEALING PROPERTIES
At Athenies Angels we are committed to help you with your struggles and guide you to a place of wellness. We are a community waiting to embrace you and to travel with you as you continue to study and to understand the complexity of mental illness.
Exciting Growth Ahead – Stay Connected!
We’re constantly evolving to better support the wellbeing of our community. As part of our ongoing commitment, we’re expanding our programs throughout 2025 to meet the diverse needs of our participants. Whether you’re seeking mental wellness support, looking to join new initiatives, or simply curious about what’s coming next, there’s something for everyone.
Stay up to date with our latest offerings, events, and opportunities by following us on social media and visiting our website. You’ll find announcements about upcoming workshops, community gatherings, and exciting new programs tailored to youth, families, and educators alike.
Connect with us on our socials, Facebook, Instagram or visit our website
for the latest updates, we’d love to have you be part of the journey!
This Months Theme: Nature and How It Can Help Us
As we journey through the year, this month we turn our focus to one of our greatest and most accessible allies in wellbeing Nature. Whether it’s a local park, your backyard, a patch of greenery on your street, or a tree you pass on your daily walk, nature is always close by, ready to support and heal us.
What is Nature Therapy?
Also known as ecotherapy, nature therapy is a therapeutic practice that encourages meaningful connection with the natural environment to support mental, emotional, and physical health.
Grounded in research, nature therapy has been shown to significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression while improving overall wellbeing. The best part? You don’t need to go far, nature is all around us, waiting to embrace us with its healing presence.
The Healing Power of Nature: A Sensory Journey
Imagine standing barefoot on cool grass, feeling the Earth’s pulse beneath your feet. You inhale deeply the crisp scent of eucalyptus or damp soil fills your lungs. Overhead, sunlight filters through the canopy, painting your skin with golden warmth. In the distance, a bird sings, and for a moment, your racing thoughts quiet. You now in Nature Therapy a gentle, nurturing way to restore balance, simply by being with the natural world.
The Many Gifts of Nature Therapy
- Peace of Mind – Strolling under tall trees, your worries slowly melt away. The steady rhythm of your footsteps and rustling leaves helps calm your nervous system. Nature offers a safe, grounding space for emotional release.
- Mood Uplift – A single flower blooming by the path reminds you of beauty and resilience. The soft buzz of bees, the flutter of butterflies each moment outdoors brings lightness to the heart.
- Stress Relief – The whispering wind, the gentle flow of a stream, or the rhythmic crashing of wave, Nature speaks a language of calm that resets the body and soul.
- Physical Vitality – Sunlight warms your face as you walk, energizing your body and boosting vitamin D. Gardening, hiking, or even stretching on your balcony reconnects you with your body’s strength and natural rhythm.
- Connection & Belonging – Watching a bird build its nest or an ant carry a leaf reminds you that you, too, are part of a greater system loved, needed, and connected.
Nature Heals in Every Season
You don’t need to travel far. A pot plant on your desk, a tree-lined street, or a moment of sky-gazing at sunset all of these are invitations to return to yourself through nature.
Nature doesn’t rush. It teaches us to slow down, to breathe, and to listen—and in doing so, it gently brings us back to wholeness.
Ways to Experience Nature Therapy
Here are some simple yet powerful nature-based practices you can try this month:
Mindful Walking or Hiking
Step outside and let your senses guide you. Notice the colors, sounds, smells, and textures of your surroundings.
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)
Spend quiet, mindful time in a green space—no phones, no goals, just presence. It’s a deeply calming and rejuvenating experience.
Gardening & Indoor Greenery
Tending to plants, whether in a garden or on a windowsill, can reduce stress and increase feelings of purpose and joy.
Animal-Assisted Connection
Observing or spending time with animals—birds, pets, or wildlife—can soothe the nervous system and foster emotional connection.
Creative Arts in Nature
Make leaf collages, press flowers, or create simple wreaths from fallen foliage. Nature is a beautiful source of inspiration for expression and joy.
Something to Reflect On
Nature therapy is a gentle, holistic approach that invites us to slow down, breathe, and reconnect—with the earth and ourselves. Whether through structured activities or quiet moments outdoors, we all have the ability to tap into nature’s healing power.
As the seasons shift, consider how you can bring nature into your daily rhythm—even five mindful minutes outdoors can make a difference.
Let’s take this month to reawaken our relationship with the natural world—and in doing so, with ourselves.
Some programs in or near Melbourne
Plant, Harvest, Eat
This is a free program offered by the Port Phillip Community Group. (Alma Road Community House, 200 Alma Road, St. Kilda East)
You can grow your own herbs and vegetables and participate in their hands on course to show you just how to do it. The growing can be done in your backyard or your balcony. Or you could join a community garden and find like minded people to enjoy this enriching activity.
Melbourne Botanical Gardens
Originating from Japan, Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” is a preventative health practice that improves and strengthens mental and physical wellbeing. Recognised as a public health practice in Asia and Europe, Forest Therapy is gaining global acclaim as an evidence – based, cost-effective and natural remedy – a ‘green prescription’ for a healthier you.
You will learn simple nature connection, sensory and creative practices to help calm your mind. Other proven health benefits of Forest Therapy include boosted immune system, reduced stress levels, regulated pulse and blood pressure and better sleep.
Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, In My Nature and the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA).
Victoria Walks
Victoria Walks® is an evidence-based health promotion charity, leading the move for walkable communities in Australia since 2009. They work primarily in Victoria to enable all types of walking, prioritising activities that will have the greatest influence on walking and walkability.
Their vision: Healthier, connected communities through more people walking more every day.
You don’t need to find a walking tour; pick a theme below to find Melbourne walks and Victorian walks and just get walking! And keep checking back in, they are always creating new Victorian walking maps!
- Melbourne waterway walks
- Parks Victoria Walks
- Accessible walks for all-abilities
- Dog-friendly walks (on and off-leash)
- Waterfall walks
- Melbourne hikes (day walks 8km-14km)
- Kid-friendly nature walks
- Botanic Garden walks
- Regional walks (on V/Line train lines)
O, RUG UP AND GET OUTSIDE. BREATHE DEEP. LOOK AROUND.
And BEGIN TO FEEL BETTER.
If you or anyone you know needs skills and tools to deal with life struggles, please contact us. As always, we strongly encourage you to seek help for yourself and your loved ones as soon as possible. Athenie’s Angels is here to support you in your struggles on your journey to embrace mental wellbeing. More information is available on our website at www.atheniesangels.org.au.
Reach out!
We are a space of hope!