Eco Lunch & Learn On Mental Health On Sept 25
A free Eco Lunch & Learn event will be held on September 25, with Dr. Karen Dyer giving a lecture on “the benefits of connecting with nature for your wellbeing.”
A spokesperson said, “The community is invited to attend this free lecture on Thursday, September 25th, to learn more about the links between nature and mental health, as well as the importance of preserving green and blue spaces in Bermuda for a sustainable future. The lecture is a presentation of Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce and Bermuda College and marks the first lecture in their fall series for 2025.
“Dr. Karen Dyer, DCPsych, Cpsychol, AFBPsS, ATR-BC, Chartered Psychologist, will highlight how connecting with nature can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve concentration and productivity
- Provide the benefits of physical activity
- Help you feel more creative and inspired
- Improve sleep
“Dr. Karen Dyer is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist registered in Bermuda with The Bermuda Health Council and in the UK with the British Psychological Society and the Health and Care Professions Council [HCPC]. Additionally, Karen is an Existential Psychotherapist [UKCP] and an Art Therapist [HCPC], as well as a clinical supervisor.
“Today Dr. Dyer works in private practice in Bermuda, with individuals, couples and groups. Her interest in today’s topic, the impact of green and blue spaces on mental health, was sparked during her doctoral research, which highlighted how connecting with nature was identified as a way for study participants to cope with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.”
Amy Harvey, the Earth and Environmental Science Senior Lecturer at the Bermuda College, said, “Interaction with nature creates a physiological change in our bodies that leads to reduced stress and increased energy levels. Nature saved my family and myself during the hard times of the pandemic. Tuesdays were sacred surf days for me no matter what the weather, as the connection with the ocean and the sand at Horseshoe made me so happy! Also, any chance we got we took our very active young boys to Southlands to ride bikes and swing from the trees.
“Again, very joyous moments in a very stressful time. It wasn’t until I recently read a life changing book called Peak Performance by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness that I realized there was science behind it. Being in nature stimulates the Interleukin-6 hormone which is a metabolic hormone that helps with your immune system and energy levels.
“After surfing I would feel energized, focused and inspired. I was so productive on those days. Protecting open spaces is critical for our mental and physical health. We look forward to learning more from Dr. Karen Dyer on this topic.”
Jennifer Flood, BEST Executive Officer, said, ‘Parks and open spaces were established in cities during the 19th Century in the belief that access to green open space was beneficial. Modern science has shown that to be true. Research in numerous areas – hospitals, prisons, schools, urban spaces, care homes, people suffering with PTSD, people living with dementia – benefit from a variety of activities involving open spaces.
“Examples include social and therapeutic horticulture, facilitated environmental conservation, care farming, ecotherapy, nature-based arts and crafts. People in these programmes showed improved mental health, while stress and anxiety reduction were noted. Hospital patients who have access to views of nature or spend time in gardens experience quicker recovery times than those in sterile, indoor environments.
‘We also live in a noisy world which research shows can also cause health problems. Those continuously exposed to noise pollution experience elevated stress levels, mood swings, lost sleep, diminished productivity, hypertension, depression, and hearing loss.
‘Given the already alarmingly high costs of physical and mental health care, it is imperative that ways be found to reduce this burden. One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways is to ensure everyone, at every age or ability has access to open, natural and quiet spaces.
Bermuda’s Parks are a vital part of that and should be vigorously protected now and for future generations.’
The spokesperson said, “Join us for this informative presentation on Thursday, September 25th. from 1:00pm to 2:00pm, either in person at The Bermuda College, Athene Room H100, or streaming live online on Facebook or YouTube.
“A lively Q&A follows the presentation. Light refreshments will be served on a first come first served basis. Please bring your own beverage.
“This lecture is kindly sponsored by Chubb.”
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