May isn’t just a time for blooming flowers. It’s also National Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder that caring for your mind matters just as much as caring for your loved ones.

For caregivers of family members with GRN-FTD, stress and emotional strain are part of daily life. The responsibility can feel constant. “Some days it feels like there’s no pause button. Even ten minutes outside helps me reset,” says a CureGRN Champion whose wife is fighting this disease. 

Taking care of your mental health isn’t a luxury. It is essential. It can strengthen resilience, improve patience, and support your overall well-being.

A 2024 environmental study found that spending time outdoors can reduce stress levels by 20%. Even a short walk in fresh air can lift your mood and restore energy. This month, consider trying a “green hour.” Set aside 60 minutes each week to spend time in a park, garden, or on a trail.

“I didn’t realize how much I needed a break until I started taking short walks outside. It gave me space to breathe and think more clearly,” the CureGRN Champion added. “Even small moments, like watching a butterfly flutter by or a squirrel dart up a tree, helped me feel grounded again.” 

No nearby park? There are still options. Tend to a houseplant. Open a window and let in fresh air. Step onto a balcony and take a few slow breaths.

How Nature Supports Caregivers’ Mental Health

1. Reduces Stress and Burnout

Caregiving for someone with GRN-FTD can be exhausting. Nature offers a reset. Time outdoors helps lower cortisol levels and improve mood. Gentle movement such as walking, hiking, or cycling releases endorphins that ease anxiety and fatigue.

2. Sparks Creativity and Problem-Solving

Studies suggest time in nature can increase creative thinking by 15%. That boost can be meaningful. Caregivers may find new ways to connect with their loved one, approach daily challenges, or organize tasks more effectively.

3. Encourages Mindfulness and Presence

Activities like birdwatching or stargazing draw your attention to the present moment. This shift can quiet mental clutter and reduce rumination. Simple tools such as the Merlin Bird ID or SkyView apps can make these experiences more engaging.

4. Strengthens Social Connections

You don’t have to do this alone. Invite a friend, family member, or fellow caregiver to join you. Shared time outdoors can deepen relationships and strengthen your support network.

Tips for a Restorative Green Hour 

• Go tech-free when possible so you can fully immerse yourself.
• Bring a notebook to capture reflections or small moments of gratitude.
• Engage all your senses. Listen, smell, touch, and observe.
• Rotate activities. Try walking one week and quiet reflection the next.

Small and intentional breaks can make a difference. After these activities, you may notice more energy, clearer thinking, and a greater sense of calm.

Taking care of yourself is not separate from caregiving. It is part of it.

“Taking that hour each week doesn’t solve everything, but it helps me show up better for my family,” the CureGRN Champion concluded.

Challenge for the Month:

Celebrate National Mental Health Awareness Month by scheduling one green hour each week. Pay attention to how it affects your stress, energy, and outlook.

Visit Mental Health America for additional resources and support.