Finding Healing in Nature
Jun 29, 2026 | Mental Health, Faces of HDGH
Finding Healing in Nature: Supporting Mental Health Through Therapeutic Nature-Inspired Programming
As a Recreation Therapist with the Toldo Neurobehavioural Institute (TNI) at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH), I have the privilege of witnessing the powerful impact that nature can have on mental health and well-being. In a world that often moves at a fast pace, nature offers something many of us desperately need - a chance to slow down, reconnect, and simply be present in the moment.
Research continues to show that spending time outdoors can reduce stress, improve mood, decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhance overall emotional well-being.
This is why we intentionally incorporate nature into many of our therapeutic recreation offerings within TNI. Our programs provide opportunities for individuals to experience the restorative benefits of the outdoors while developing meaningful skills, building confidence, and fostering social connections. Nature engages our senses, encourages mindfulness, and provides a calming environment that supports healing and recovery.
The Healing Power of Outdoor Activities and Movement
Physical activities are regularly offered throughout the day, utilizing our outdoor spaces in order to combine the benefit of movement with the restorative effects of nature; encouraging participants to explore, engage with their environment, and experience the simple joy of being outside. These activities support physical health while also improving mood, reducing stress, and increasing feelings of connection.
A typical morning in TNI starts off with our Walk and Talk Group offering a simple yet powerful way to begin the day. Exposure to natural light helps boost energy levels while supporting emotional wellness. Our walks are offered outdoors in HDGH’s Healing Garden, providing a peaceful space where individuals can step away from daily stressors and immerse themselves in a calming natural environment. Surrounded by greenery, flowers, and fresh air, patients can relax, reflect, and find moments of peace. For many, the Healing Garden becomes a place of comfort, hope, and restoration. Participants often report feeling more focused, refreshed, and prepared to face the day after spending time in the Garden.
Mindfulness and Meditation in Nature
We offer many opportunities to practice mindfulness throughout the day. Offering this program outdoors allows nature to provide the perfect backdrop for mindfulness and meditation practices. The sounds of birds, the movement of leaves in the wind, and the warmth of the sun create opportunities to focus on the present moment. Through guided mindfulness and meditation experiences, patients learn strategies for managing stress, improving emotional regulation, and cultivating a greater sense of inner calm.
Growing Wellness Through Horticulture
One of the most rewarding programs we facilitate would be our horticulture program. There is something truly special about watching individuals connect with nature through the simple act of caring for it as it grows. We have seen patients struggling with stress, anxiety, and low mood light up when they notice the first signs of growth from something they have planted themselves. Horticulture provides opportunities to slow down, focus on the present moment, and experience a sense of purpose. It teaches patience, responsibility, and resilience while offering tangible reminders that growth takes time. Participants often share how peaceful they feel while working with plants, and many take pride in nurturing something living and watching their efforts flourish.
Horticulture is about much more than gardening. It creates opportunities for meaningful conversations, social connection, and moments of success that can be difficult to find during periods of mental health challenges. The garden becomes a space where people can feel capable, connected, and hopeful. Watching patients gain confidence and discover joy through caring for plants is one of the many reasons we are passionate about incorporating horticulture into therapeutic recreation programming in TNI.
At TNI, we recognize that healing happens in many ways. By integrating horticulture, outdoor recreation, Healing Garden experiences, morning walks, and mindfulness practices into our programming, we create opportunities for individuals to reconnect—with themselves, with others, and with the natural world around them.
We are proud to offer programs that harness the healing power of nature and help individuals discover the many benefits of stepping outside, taking a breath, and reconnecting with the world around them. Nature reminds us that growth takes time, healing is possible, and even after difficult seasons, new beginnings can emerge. Every day, we see firsthand how meaningful time spent outdoors can support recovery, resilience, and overall mental wellness.
About the Author
My career path began right out of high school, driven by a passion for helping others and making a positive difference in people's lives. I started my journey as a Developmental Services Worker, supporting individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. This experience laid the foundation for a career dedicated to helping people achieve their goals, build meaningful connections, and live fulfilling lives.
My path eventually led me into long-term care, where I spent the majority of my career working with older adults. Throughout those years, I developed a deep appreciation for the impact recreation and leisure can have on overall well-being, quality of life, and a person's sense of purpose.
In 2020 while balancing work and family life, I returned to school to pursue my dream of becoming a Recreation Therapist. This achievement marked an important milestone in both my personal and professional journey, giving me the opportunity to transition into my role as a Recreation Therapist with HDGH, where I have the privilege of combining my passion for recreation therapy, mental health, and the healing power of nature. I am grateful to continue supporting individuals on their wellness journeys while helping create opportunities for growth, connection, and recovery.
Outside of work, I am a wife and proud mother of four who enjoys creative expression through painting, poetry, and decorating, although am happiest when surrounded by nature. These experiences bring me balance, joy, and a sense of connection that I carry into every aspect of my life.