11 Eco-Wellness Practices That Care for You and the Earth | HealthPrep

9. Moving Outdoors: Eco-Friendly Exercise

Outdoor movement like walking groups, tai chi in the park, or gentle trail circuits supports fitness and reduces emissions from driving to gyms. For aging bodies, low-impact outdoor routines build cardiovascular health, balance, and mood without harsh joint strain. Exercising outside also deepens connection to place, encouraging stewardship and less car-dependent activity. Start by joining a local walking group or scheduling three short outdoor movement sessions per week. Use weather-appropriate layers and consider cross-training with indoor balance or resistance exercises to prevent overuse. If mobility limits access to outdoor trails, organize a courtyard class or take a scenic drive to a nearby green spot for short sessions. Social outdoor classes add accountability and companionship, making exercise feel like pleasure rather than obligation. Over time, swapping even one gym visit per week for a park walk decreases travel emissions and brings fresh-air benefits that support sleep and mood.

10. Addressing Eco-Anxiety and Climate Emotions

Feeling grief, worry, or anger about environmental change is common and deserves caring attention. Researchers and educators note that processing these emotions is part of healthy engagement rather than a sign of weakness (UP Beacon; Dr. Sarina Saturn). Practical steps include naming your emotions, limiting endless news exposure, and forming action-focused groups where small, local projects foster agency. Use rituals—like a weekly check-in with a friend, journaling about feelings, or participating in community climate work—to channel emotions productively. Therapy approaches and support groups designed for climate-related distress can help when feelings feel overwhelming. Balancing awareness with self-care prevents burnout: combine moments of action (planting native flowers, volunteering) with restorative practices (short nature visits, mindful breathing). Recognize that hope and grief can coexist, and that steady, achievable action builds resilience. If distress affects daily functioning, seek professional help—mental health support is a valid and important part of ecological engagement.