{"id":1320453,"date":"2020-06-10T23:40:01","date_gmt":"2020-06-11T05:40:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.postindependent.com\/youthzone-column-youth-learn-to-connect-with-nature-to-reduce-stress\/"},"modified":"2020-06-10T23:40:01","modified_gmt":"2020-06-11T05:40:01","slug":"youthzone-column-youth-learn-to-connect-with-nature-to-reduce-stress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/local-news\/youthzone-column-youth-learn-to-connect-with-nature-to-reduce-stress\/","title":{"rendered":"YouthZone column: Youth learn to connect with nature to reduce stress"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Advice From A Tree: \u201cStand Tall and Proud. Sink your roots into the Earth. Be content with your natural beauty. Drink plenty of water. Enjoy the view.*\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When working with young clients, YouthZone\u2019s advocates and counselors focus on methods of restoration for the adolescent, their families, and their communities. From the Restorative Justice Program to Life Skills Classes and Community Service, youth are immersed in healing practices.<\/p>\n

Nature is woven into our very being. If nature is so capable as to produce life, could it not also heal? YouthZone\u2019s Restorative Justice Coordinator Karen Barbee said, \u201cWhen we sit in solitude in nature we are reminded of our intrinsic wisdom \u2014 that we are all born wise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Our Life Skills Classes encourage kids to connect with nature as a coping mechanism to relieve stress. During these strange times of quarantine and confinement, people can get anxious and edgy when cooped up indoors or restricted in their movements. While we need to adhere to the local safety guidelines, we remind teenagers that it\u2019s OK and helpful to spend time outside.<\/p>\n

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