Harrison: Nature the mental health boost we’ve been waiting for

It’s finally happened, spring has resurfaced, just as it always promises to do.

After months of gray skies and shorter days, there’s a quiet shift happening. The light changes. The air softens. And for many of us, there’s an almost instinctive pull to get outside, reset and begin again.

I recently came across a beautiful initiative through Forests Ontario, creating ‘mini-forests’ around retirement homes to support forest bathing and offer spaces for calm, reflection and connection. It struck me how powerful something so simple can be.

The connection between nature and mental health isn’t new. Most of us already know fresh air and green spaces are good for us, but we often underestimate just how impactful they truly are. Spending time outdoors can reduce stress, improve mood, support sleep and help regulate our nervous system. It’s not just a ‘nice to have,’ it’s a vital part of how we care for our overall well being.

In West Carleton, access to nature is simply part of everyday life. Whether it’s a peaceful walk along the Crazy Horse Trail, exploring Fitzroy Provincial Park, enjoying the quiet beauty of the Torbolton Forest, or simply stepping in to the natural spaces that surround our homes, it’s all right at our doorstep.

What might feel routine to us is actually a powerful advantage; one that supports both mental clarity and an emotional reset.

Spring doesn’t have to mean a complete life overhaul.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as:

• Stepping outside for 10 minutes between meetings
• Taking a walk without your phone
• Sitting with your morning coffee in the sunlight
• Choosing connection;  with nature and with yourself

We often talk about ‘big resets’ this time of year. But in reality, it’s the small, consistent moments that create the biggest shifts.

This spring, consider this your reminder; You don’t need to go far to feel better. You might just need to go outside.

Christine Harrison is a registered psychotherapist, founder and clinical director of Focus Forward Therapy Group, and a dedicated community leader with more than 15 years of experience serving West Carleton. She previously held a leadership role in mental health programming at the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) and currently serves as a director with Carp Health Access, where she works to bridge clinical care with grassroots support. Through her work, Christine has championed accessible, evidence-based therapy and advocated for holistic wellness across rural communities. A committed volunteer, healthcare innovator, and proud mom of three, Christine is passionate about building stronger, more resilient communities through collaboration, compassion, and forward-thinking care.

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