BALTIMORE, MD—To celebrate Global Day of Unplugging, First Lady Dawn Moore visited Patapsco Valley State Park in Halethorpe over the weekend to highlight the benefits that nature has to offer children’s mental health.

Global Day of Unplugging is a 24-hour digital detox that takes place from March 1 to 2. This year’s theme is “unplug and live.”

The First Lady and other state officials participated in a forest bathing hike led by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Forest bathing is a practice that originated in Japan and is a form of meditation that involves taking in nature and soaking in the benefits that come from it.

After the hike, the First Lady and other officials participated in a group yoga session in the woods. This session was led by Bonnie Pace, a fitness instructor and nutritionist from Awaken Wellness in Columbia.

“Improving the mental health of Maryland’s children is one of my top priorities as first lady,” said First Lady Dawn Moore. “I encourage parents to help their children take time to unplug from the digital world and explore the world around them, including Maryland’s natural beauty. I am proud to be working in partnership with our state agencies, community organizations, and our young students to help improve the mental health of all Maryland children.”

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers a variety of activities and resources that can help children to get connected with nature. These include educational programs, field trips, and camp activities. The department also encourages parents and teachers to incorporate nature-based activities into their lesson plans.

“Improving mental health is also about having fun in nature,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “We encourage all Marylanders to find time to hike, swim, bike, picnic, fish, and enjoy all the types of different passive and organized recreational activities made possible by Maryland’s state parks and public lands. The Department of Natural Resources also offers educational resources to schools to help teachers and parents plan nature-based outings and field trips that can create meaningful outdoor experiences for students.”

Officials say Global Day of Unplugging is a great way to highlight the importance of nature’s benefits to children’s mental health.

Photo courtesy Maryland Governor’s Office