Building strong communities: The Mental Health benefits of connection
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week here in New Zealand and it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the power of community for mental well-being. In today’s world, we can often get caught up in the rush of individual achievements and responsibilities, but it’s vital to remember the impact that shared experiences, particularly in nature, have on our mental health. Whether we’re sharing food, going on a trip, or engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, or hunting and fishing, these moments of connection help us find balance and peace.
At Mind Garage, we’ve always understood the vital role community plays in healing and resilience. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Eat What You Kill (EWYK), combining our mental health expertise with EWYK’s core values and mission. Together, we will provide articles, tools, resources, and opportunities for individuals to learn, grown and engage in activities that support both physical and emotional well-being—nurturing ourselves and the planet along the way.
The Power of nature on Mental Health
Research consistently shows that spending time outdoors has profound positive effects on mental health. Studies have demonstrated that activities like hiking, surfing, and fishing can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Nature offers a kind of therapy that traditional methods may not always provide: the chance to disconnect from daily stressors and reconnect with ourselves and others in a peaceful environment.
Hiking and walking in nature have been linked to improvements in mood and cognitive function. One study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that individuals who walked in natural environments had lower activity in regions of the brain associated with rumination—a key factor in depression.
Surfing offers a unique blend of physical exercise and mindfulness, which can help individuals manage anxiety and improve their emotional regulation. Surf therapy programmes have shown success with veterans and others experiencing PTSD, proving that engaging with the ocean’s energy has a healing effect.
Hunting and fishing, often seen as solo activities, actually provide opportunities for mindfulness and deep focus. These activities encourage patience, observation, and reflection, all of which can reduce stress and anxiety. The satisfaction of providing food for yourself and others taps into a primal sense of accomplishment and connection to nature.
Spending time outdoors isn’t just about the physical activity; it’s about engaging the mind, refreshing our Wairua , and experiencing a sense of awe that is difficult to find elsewhere. This is particularly important in a world where we are often overwhelmed by screens and digital distractions. Outdoor activities offer a break from this, creating space for mental clarity and emotional grounding.
Community, Food, and Connection
It’s not just the outdoor activities themselves that benefit mental health—it’s the shared experiences and sense of belonging that amplify the positive effects. Sharing a meal after a day of fishing or sitting around a campfire after a hike can create lasting bonds. These are moments where we connect over our stories, struggles, and triumphs.
Social connection is one of the strongest protective factors for mental health. A study from Harvard showed that people who maintain close relationships and social ties throughout their lives have better mental health and live longer than those who remain isolated. Preparing and gathering around food with friends and family, fosters these crucial relationships and helps us feel supported.
Stepping outside your Comfort Zone
At Mind Garage, we often encourage clients to step outside their comfort zone as part of their healing journey. This could mean trying a new activity, like learning to surf or going out in a boat, catching a fish. It’s in these moments of vulnerability and challenge that we find strength. Outdoor activities often push us beyond our usual limits, forcing us to confront our fears, build resilience, and gain a sense of accomplishment that boosts self-esteem.
Mind Garage and Eat What You Kill: A natural partnership
We’re excited about our partnership with Eat What You Kill and the opportunity to support a growing community of individuals and brands deeply connected to sourcing wild food and outdoor adventure. EWYK’s focus on self-sustainability, hunting, fishing, and outdoor exploration aligns perfectly with Mind Garage’s mission to provide holistic mental health support. Together, we’ll offer expert psychological guidance to ensure that the tools, resources, articles, workshops, and events are backed by trained professionals.
A key feature of this collaboration is the launch of The Wellbeing Hub, part of the upcoming EWYK website relaunch. This dedicated space will explore mental health and wellness through open conversations, tools, resources, expert insights, podcasts, and personal stories. From digital resources to trauma-focused outdoor retreats, group therapy, skill-building workshops, community events, and mindfulness activities like surfing, we’re committed to creating accessible and meaningful opportunities for mental wellness.
Both Mind Garage and Eat What You Kill are committed to supporting mental health in our communities. Our shared goal is to foster environments where people can thrive—emotionally, mentally, and physically.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s make mental health a priority by stepping outdoors, building connections, and sharing experiences. Let’s continue to foster strong, supportive communities where everyone can feel seen, heard, and supported.
Stay tuned for more information on our collaboration – visit mindgarage.co.nz and eatwhatyoukill.co.nz. The new EWYK website including The Wellbeing Hub will be live late 2024 or very early 2025
Together, we can build a healthier, more connected future.
Article by Ampara Bouwens / Clinical Psychologist – Mind Garage
Ampara is a Clinical Psychologist with over 19 years of experience in private, governmental, and corporate sectors. She specialises in complex trauma, personality disorders, and severe mental health issues, using a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to help clients regain control of their lives. Since moving to New Zealand in 2016, Ampara has run a successful private practice, offering personalised treatment to those seeking to improve their mental well-being. She is also the clinical lead and founder of MindGarage, a provider of psychological services and assessments. MindGarage’s skilled therapists take a holistic, client-centred approach, empowering individuals with the tools they need for long-term mental and emotional health.
Visit Mind Garage online
Photo by Cam Henerson
References and further reading:
Hiking and Mood Improvement:
– Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., Hahn, K. S., Daily, G. C., & Gross, J. J. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 112(28), 8567-8572.
Surf Therapy for PTSD:
– Caddick, N., & Smith, B. (2014). The impact of surf therapy on the well-being and recovery of combat veterans. Qualitative Health Research, 24(10), 1399-1411.
Mindfulness and Outdoor Activities:
– Packer, J., & Bond, N. (2010). Outdoor adventure activities and stress reduction: Lessons learned from participation in wilderness experiences. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership 2(1), 64-78.
Benefits of Social Connection:
– Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.
Impact of Nature on Well-being:
– Capaldi, C. A., Dopko, R. L., & Zelenski, J. M. (2014). The relationship between nature connectedness and happiness: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 976.
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