Mindfulness is about living in the present moment. It is a mental state where you bring your attention back to the present, focussing on each moment to moment. The technique of developing mindfulness will help you to build powers of focus and concentration, and the more you do it, the better you get. Practising mindfulness reduces stress and worry, and gives you tools to master emotions.

Research has shown that nature helps to improve mindfulness by providing the opportunity to stop, slow down and breathe easier, to take a look around and be present with the environment. This improves mental health by bringing peace and quiet to the mind.

The Limestone Coast which includes Kingston SE and Robe, has mountains, oceans, national parks, walking trails, fishing, four-wheel driving and much more to offer in natural experiences. Read on to find out more about how nature benefits your mental health.

Nature reduces stress levels

Nature has a calming effect on our bodies and reduces stress and tension. Casting your eyes over green spaces, oceans and landscapes, flora and fauna has a soothing effect. On a physical level, being in nature lowers blood pressure, heart rate and reduces the amount of stress hormones (cortisol) in the body.

5 National Parks around Kingston SE to visit

https://kingstonforeshorecaravanpark.com.au/5-national-parks-around-kingston-se-to-visit/

Nature boosts creativity

Being in nature calms the mind and when the mind is calm, there is space for it to work in more creative ways other than the same pathways it uses day to day. Focus and concentration skills improve, and this leads to better problem solving skills and creative solutions.

Birdwatching Around Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park

https://kingstonforeshorecaravanpark.com.au/birdwatching-in-kingston-se-south-australia/

Nature improves your ability to be present – mindfulness

There are many distractions and demands for our attention now. Being in nature is an opportunity to detach from these distractions and remember some of the more important things in life such as your physical and mental health. When in nature, slow down the breath and become aware of what is going on in your body.

You might want to couple this with the 5,4,3,2,1 technique for grounding yourself and easing feelings of stress or anxiety. Follow these steps:

• Focus On 5 Things You Can See. Name these items one by one.
• Focus On 4 Things You Can Touch.
• Focus On 3 Things You Can Hear.
• Focus On 2 Things You Can Smell.
• Focus On 1 Thing You Can Taste.

4 walking trails to enjoy in Kingston this winter

https://kingstonforeshorecaravanpark.com.au/4-walking-trails-to-enjoy-in-kingston-this-winter/

Nature improves your mood

When you’re out in nature, you breathe more oxygen which improves your energy and vitality. The body releases endorphins which are the feel good hormones. Nature has a way of putting all the stresses and worries of daily life into perspective.

Four wheel driving in Kingston and Robe? Here are Cameron’s tips

https://kingstonforeshorecaravanpark.com.au/four-wheel-driving-in-robe-and-kingston-here-are-camerons-tips/

Healthdirect has more information on mindfulness if you want to research this topic further. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mindfulness

Book into Kingston SE for a natural experience

Only three hours from Adelaide and on the way to Melbourne, Kingston SE has nature parks, walking trails, beautiful beaches, campgrounds and many more things to connect you with nature. Book into the Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park for your next getaway. We have cabins for singles, families and couples, as well as powered and unpowered sites.

Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park is right across the road from the beach on Lacepede Bay, and only 20 minutes from Robe. Call us on (08) 8767 2050 or book online here.