How Parks Can Help Ease Holiday Blues

It’s officially December, and while the holidays can bring joy and connection, they can also bring feelings of depression or anxiety for some. I recently saw a post on social media about a resource announcement at the St. Johns County Public Library regarding Books on Building Connection and Community for Growth and Action. It made me realize that our parks can also be an invaluable resource.

Research by Choi et al. (2019) at Harvard Medical School suggests that physical activity significantly reduces the risk of depression. Even modest changes—such as replacing sitting with 15 minutes of vigorous exercise or an hour of moderate activity—can lower the risk of depression. Any level of activity is better than none, highlighting the importance of staying active for mental health.

This holiday season, there are plenty of ways to connect with the community through a variety of events happening across St. Johns County, like the boat parade or a kayak tour. To find a park near you, click here, and for a list of libraries, click here.

If you’re struggling this holiday season and need more than books or parks, help is available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free and confidential emotional support to anyone in crisis or distress, 24/7, across the United States.