Nature Helps Nurture the Soul

Did you know that being outside and spending time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety? Connecting with the world outside has also been linked to uplifting overall mood and feelings of happiness. With that being said, have you visited our office here at UF/IFAS Extension Orange County? We have beautiful Exploration Gardens that are free for you to visit and explore the wonders of both plants and animals. Strolling the gardens is a perfect way to spend time outside to help alleviate any stresses from the day. Not to mention, exploring outdoors will help to get in some physical activity, which has also been attributed to acting as a stress reliever. It’s a win-win!

Take a look at some of the wonders that can be found in our gardens:

Butterfly on flowers.
Images: Hillary Ayers, FCS Agent

Wildflowers in bloom.Green lizard sun-bathing. Purple flowers in bloom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interested in what else you might see? Check out the map below!

 

 

Can’t make it out the Extension office? That’s okay, soak up nature in any way that suits you best! Instead of eating meals inside, opt for an outdoor picnic. Do you usually workout inside the gym? Try an outside walk or run. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee? How about stepping outside and breathing in some fresh air while enjoying your cup of joe. The ways to enjoy the outdoors are endless! Want to learn more about prioritizing your mental health? Read my fellow FCS Agent, Jana Anderson’s most recent blog post here.

Want to take a guided tour of the Exploration Gardens here at UF/IFAS Extension in Orange County ? Click on our Eventbrite link below to see when guided garden tours are available:

UF/IFAS Extension Eventbrite

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Hillary Ayers, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Orange County
Posted: May 17, 2023


Category: , Health & Nutrition, Recreation, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife, WORK & LIFE
Tags: Animals, Exploration Gardens, Flowers, Mental Health, Nature, Ocextension, Outside, Stress, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County


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