Go Touch Grass: Why Nature Is the Ultimate Regulation Tool | Ep. 137

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss the positive impacts of spending time in nature on mental health. They explore how outdoor activities activate the parasympathetic nervous system, decreasing cortisol levels, lowering heart rates, and improving sensory integration and attention.Using personal anecdotes and scientific explanations, Samantha and Lauren highlight nature's ability to provide a gentle and predictable sensory input conducive to emotional and cognitive rejuvenation. They also discuss practical strategies for encouraging neurodivergent children to spend more time outdoors, emphasizing the importance of making such activities a part of daily routines. 00:00 Introduction00:52 Today's Topic: Touching Grass for Mental Health01:43 Personal Stories and Benefits of Nature04:59 The Neuroscience Behind Nature's Benefits15:37 Practical Outdoor Activities for Kids18:40 Overcoming Barriers to Outdoor Time19:52 Seasonal Outdoor Activities22:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Join the Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/podcastScavenger Hunt Cards: https://amzn.to/42Ul4hT  Connect with Samantha Foote!Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent