How to enjoy your vacation and connect with nature? Check out these 5 tips

Rest period is coming to an end and can be used to bring children closer to the environment and relieve stress for adults.

According to a recent report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), prepared by scientists from nearly 150 countries, the accelerated decline of nature has direct and significant impacts on human health. The document indicates that contact with green spaces is associated with a significant reduction in stress-related hormone levels, as well as a decrease in anxiety and depression. When combined with large-scale studies, such as this analysis involving nearly 2,000 participants, it was found that natural environments with greater biodiversity can offer up to 71% less risk of mental health problems, thanks to the variety of sensory stimuli and cognitive restoration provided by nature.

Being in contact with nature, therefore, is not just a way to relax or take beautiful photos for social media, but an urgent individual and collective need. When we talk about nature and mental health, we're actually talking about healthier cities in every sense. Expanding green spaces in urban centers is also an effective strategy for addressing the environmental challenges that worsen every year: heat islands, flooding, loss of biodiversity, and worsening air quality. Despite this, the goal known as the 3-30-300 rule—each person should see at least three trees from their home, live in neighborhoods with 30% of vegetation cover, and be no more than 300 meters from a green area—is far from being achieved in most urban centers. In Barcelona, for example, only 4.7% of the population lives in areas that meet all these criteria, according to a study by the Institute for Global Health.

In this scenario, initiatives that promote reconnection with the natural environment gain even more relevance, especially during periods like the July holidays. "The second half of the month can be an excellent opportunity to slow down, breathe fresh air, and experience new experiences in nature, which go beyond entertainment: they rebalance us, improve our mood, and awaken our ecological awareness," says Viviane Condotta Gabriel, environmental educator at the Copaíba Environmental Association.

Based in the Serra da Mantiqueira, Copaíba has been dedicated to Atlantic Forest restoration and environmental awareness for over 20 years. One of its most successful programs, "Férias na Copaíba," offers outdoor activities for children and teenagers, combining games, trails, workshops, and a wealth of environmental learning. For those unable to attend in person or living in other regions, Viviane shares some simple tips for reconnecting with nature during this time; check them out:

•  Observe what is around you

"Even in urban areas, it's possible to observe trees, flowers, insects, and birds. Pay attention to what you normally rush past without noticing. This already changes your relationship with space."

• Have a green moment in your day

"It could be caring for a plant, having a meal outdoors, or walking in a park. The important thing is to be present, without rushing or distractions."

• Encourage children to play outside

"Nature is the best playground there is. Flying kites, building toys with branches and leaves, or simply running on the ground are valuable experiences for child development."

• Take out the trash 

"Whenever you go out into nature, leave it better than you found it. Pick up your trash and, if possible, more than you brought in. Caring for the environment starts with small gestures."

• Look for local initiatives 

"There are many organizations that promote tours, guided trails, and volunteer activities. Participating is a way to better understand your region and contribute to its conservation."

More about Copaiba

Created in 1999 by a group of friends who were concerned about the degradation of the Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Socorro-SP, the Copaíba Environmental Association is a non-profit organization, qualified as a Civil Society Organization of Public Interest (OSCIP) and which operates in 19 municipalities in the eastern region of the State of São Paulo and southern Minas Gerais. Currently, the association promotes ecological restoration projects and programs; production of native seedlings; environmental education initiatives and participation in public policies. In total, more than 4 million seedlings have been produced, more than 1 million trees have been planted involving 700 partner landowners, 809 hectares have been restored and 40 thousand participants have participated in Environmental Education experiences. Learn more at: https://copaiba.org.br/.