Seven Ways Fall Yard Work and Clean Up Can Help the Depressed, Anxious, or Traumatized Child and Teen Build Capacity and Calm Their Nervous Systems.
- ndsmeli
- Nov 3
- 4 min read
Yard Work! I just came in from raking up fall leaves. I admit I am weird because I love raking up leaves. Ok, for the most part! I will admit sometimes I love the smell of fall and the idea of raking up leaves more than doing it! The hardest part is just starting and then the magic happens. So, what does yardwork have to do with mental health you ask?
1- It Gets the Body Moving.
A common response to trauma, depression, anxiety and anything that affects our nervous system is freeze. Yard work requires the body to move. It gets our limbs warmed up and engages us in bilateral stimulation that has other benefits.
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2- It Regulates Breathing.
As we move and work our breathing adjusts and becomes regulated. Frequently a response to mental health issues and stress is shallow and minimal breathing. Which has all kinds of negative effects. Yard work helps increase oxygen flow and efficiency which can help us feel more awake and alive.
3- It Calms the Mind.
As we engage in focused, repetitive acts our mind can relax into the repetitive movement. We may even enter a meditative mindfulness state when doing yard work without trying. The worries and cares brought on by anxiety, stress, and mental health issues may slip away for a bit as we focus on the repetative task at hand. Sometimes as the mind relaxes, solutions to problems that we have been stuck in can arise.
4- It Engages the Senses.
Our senses of smell, touch, sound, and sight are engaged in a new way when we do yard work. As our senses are engaged, we begin to feel present and embodied. We become grounded in the here and now. Something that anxiety, depression, and trauma prevent us from fully feeling when triggered. After raking my cheeks feel flushed with cool air, my muscles are a little sore and stretched, the sound of crinkly leaves has soothed me, and the smell of leaves is invigorating! I feel alive.
5 - It Creates a Sense of Ownership and Accomplishment
When we engage in and complete a task, we often feel a sense of accomplishment. This helps increase our confidence and self-worth. Depression, trauma, and anxiety have a way of making us feel small and powerless. Small structured, accomplish able tasks in the yard can help us feel strong and powerful.
6- It Promotes Co-regulation and Relationship Building Within Family
or Community.
Working together as a family doing yard work, either as a whole or in small caregiver – child dyads provide the possibility for co-regulation and relationship building. Working and laughing together eases strained relationships. It can open windows of communication. Sharing in accomplishments increases a sense of unity and provides a counter to the negative feeling of aloneness that is prevalent in children and teens who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health issues. It is true that we are stronger together.
7- It Gets Us Outside
Doing yard work also has the added benefit of engaging us with nature. Studies show that simply being in nature calms the nervous system and increases mental health and well being. It helps us feel grounded both internally and externally.
Winter is coming and with it some face seasonal depression while others continue to struggle with trauma, anxiety, stress and mental health issues. Let’s get ahead of this and build capacity together before winter starts. Spending time outside with our loved ones helps us build capacity and calm our nervous systems so that we can better engage with others and with life itself.
Children and Teens greatly benefit from working together with family members on small tasks that are doable and accomplish-able outside.
Add in a little bit of laughter and silliness to make the job easier. Remember that as adults we need to lead by example both in the focused work and in silliness and laughter. Go outside and enjoy being productive with your child or teen this fall while building memories and well being.
For children and teens who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment issues and other mental health issues in the Shenandoah Valley, Spiral Roots LLC has openings for child and teen counseling in Harrisonburg, VA.
If you need child or teen therapy in Harrisonburg, Virginia call me or send me an email today!
Melissa Deaton Cook LPC provides therapy for children and teens in Harrisonburg, VA at Spiral Roots LLC where she integrates nature-based therapies in helping her clients regulate their nervous systems and build capacity to overcome the effects of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Connect with her today.
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