Celebrating Earth Day During a Health Crisis

Earth Day is celebrated on the 22nd of April every year to raise awareness about pollution levels and celebrate the planet. Usually, this day is celebrated by people organising talks, skits, and presentations about the planet. School children are encouraged to practise simple strategies to protect our environment and everyone is encouraged to switch off all electrical appliances for an hour at night.

This year, a lot of these activities will not be possible. Around the world, people are practising social distancing or are in lockdown and cannot come together to celebrate Earth Day 2020. Nonetheless, there is an opportunity for us to rethink the way in which we can celebrate and cherish our planet.

Ever since countries the lockdown began, reports of positive changes have been coming in from various governmental agencies, meteorological departments and environment boards. Air pollution levels - particularly the levels of carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide - have fallen. The clear skies have caused the Himalayas to be visible from cities in Northern India. The canals in Venice are so clear that people can actually see fish swimming. Wild animals are roaming in open spaces without the fear of human threats, and some reports have found endangered species to be thriving.

These changes are important to note for 2 reasons: first, amidst the constant influx of negative information about the pandemic, most of us can do with some good news for a change. Secondly, and as importantly, several studies conducted all over the world have shown that our natural environment has a strong impact on our well-being. Being in nature can reduce negative emotions such as stress, depression and loneliness. A healthy natural environment can make us feel more balanced and calm. Studies have also found that our environment can impact our physical well-being and immunity. Once the health crisis tides over, we can look forward to enjoying the benefits of the positive changes that have taken place in the environment.

Here's what you can do

In the meanwhile, here are a few things that we can do to take care of our environment - and subsequently improve our well-being - even during the lockdown.

Start your own garden - Research has found that spending time in nature can help you feel calm and focussed. It can also evoke positive emotions. Bringing greenery into your home is a wonderful way to celebrate the planet. You can start a garden in your backyard, get some pots in your balcony, or nurture some indoor plants. If you are short on space, you can try growing micro-herbs on your kitchen windowsill. Who knows, you might just develop a new hobby!

Switch off or dim the lights - You may have already heard how important it is to switch off lights and fans when you are leaving a room. But did you know that switching off or dimming the lights before you sleep can make it easier for you to fall asleep? The dim light causes the release of melatonin in your brain - a hormone that prepares your body to sleep. Start sleeping better by switching off the lights in your room 30 minutes before you want to sleep.

Declutter your house - When you have a lot of clutter around you, it can become difficult to focus. You may also find yourself struggling to make decisions or remembering conversations. Finding time to declutter can help you in several ways. It is also good for the planet, as it encourages you to consume less. Decluttering requires you to move around and get some form of physical activity incorporated into your schedule. If you club this exercise with mindfulness - by paying attention to your senses as you declutter - you will find yourself feeling calm and focussed. 

Donate to charity - This goes hand in hand with the above point. As you declutter, you may come across items that are still in working condition, but no longer of use to you. Instead of throwing them away to rot in a landfill, try to donate this item to people who are less fortunate and may appreciate whatever you can spare. While being good for the planet, helping others can improve your mood and even help you fight off negative emotions. You can also consider opportunities to volunteer online at this time.

Learn more about climate change - Right now, you might have time on your hands. Try to make use of this time to read and learn more about the current climate crisis the planet is facing. Learning something new can keep you mentally sharp and also boost emotional well-being. Being well-informed and having all the facts in front of you can inspire you to fight against climate change. And this is good for your mental health, too - psychiatrists have reported that climate activism can help reduce symptoms of mental health conditions.

We hope that you consider some of these strategies to help the planet and take care of your mental health during this pandemic.

References:

Coping in coronavirus: Lessons in mental health from climate activism. (2020, April 7). Retrieved April 22, 2020, from Earth Day website: https://www.earthday.org/coping-in-coronavirus-lessons-in-mental-health-from-climate-activism/

Earth Day and Mental Health. (2019, April 19). Retrieved from Choices Psychotherapy website: https://choicespsychotherapy.net/earth-day-mental-health/

Foulkrod, T. (n.d.). Earth Day 2020: Moving Into a More Sustainable Future Post COVID-19. Retrieved April 22, 2020, from Tucson Weekly website: https://www.tucsonweekly.com/TheRange/archives/2020/04/20/earth-day-2020-moving-into-a-more-sustainable-future-post-covid-19

Howe, J. P. (n.d.). On Earth Day, Grim Lessons for the COVID-19 Crisis. Retrieved April 22, 2020, from Scientific American Blog Network website: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/on-earth-day-grim-lessons-for-the-covid-19-crisis/

Larson, J. (2011). How Does Nature Impact Our Wellbeing? | Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing. Retrieved from Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing website: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing

On Earth Day, lessons from Covid-19 pandemic offer hope. (n.d.). Retrieved April 22, 2020, from MIT News website: http://news.mit.edu/2020/earth-day-covid-19-reif-0422

Research, B. and S. S. at N. (2020, April 15). On Global Climate Change, Mental Health, and COVID-19. Retrieved April 22, 2020, from Behavioural and Social Sciences at Nature Research website: https://socialsciences.nature.com/channels/2723-earth-day-2020/posts/65938-on-global-climate-change-mental-health-and-covid-19