Shownotes
In this episode, William Henry explores the profound impact of movement in nature on emotional well-being for both adults and children. He discusses how our evolutionary history has shaped our need for outdoor movement, the neurological benefits of being in nature, and the importance of movement for regulating emotions. The conversation highlights practical skills for incorporating movement into daily life, especially for children who thrive on physical activity. The episode concludes with a guided grounding practice to connect with nature and enhance emotional awareness.
Takeaways
- For more than 99% of our evolutionary history, we moved outdoors.
- Nature provides lower cognitive load and sensory variation.
- Movement helps release emotional charge stored in the body.
- Outdoor movement restores executive function and cognitive control.
- Kids regulate through movement, play, and sensory exploration.
- Outdoor movement helps kids integrate sensory information and reduce behavioral escalations.
- Nature provides graduated risk, building resilience in children.
- Outdoor movement lowers social self-consciousness in teens.
- Movement opens the mind and creates psychological spaciousness.
- Healing often moves at the pace of a quiet walk.
Host & Show Info
- Host Name: William Henry, LCSW
- About the Host: William Henry is a licensed clinical social worker and certified nature informed therapist. After graduating from New York University, he spent seven dedicated years in a day treatment center and school where he worked closely with students and families facing significant mental health challenges. Certified in Nature Informed Therapy in 2022, he believes that rebuilding our connection with nature can provide some much needed relief from the struggles that many of us are facing. Will spends his free time fly fishing, camping and hiking. Find more resources and information through his practice, Riverstone Mental Health Collective, based in Mount Kisco, NY.
- Website: riverstonementalhealth.com
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer:
The Nature of Mental Health is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. The information presented here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care professional. If you’re in crisis, thinking about harming yourself, or don’t feel safe, call 911, or contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline immediately.
