By Jennifer Kramer, APR, PRSA-ECD Past Chair, Advocacy Chair

In recognition of Mental Health Month, PRSA East Central District launched its inaugural Mental Health Webinar Series with an unforgettable session: “Awareness to Action: Nature-Based Practices to Reduce Anxiety and Restore Resilience,” led by acclaimed PR professional and ecotherapist Tracy Teuscher, MS, APR, OCVN.

This powerful event was born out of our districtwide study on the mental health of PR professionals and leaders, which led to the development of a Mental Health Report and evolving toolkit housed on our district website. The need for action is clear—91% of PR pros report experiencing mental health challenges, and nearly 60% struggle with recurring burnout.

But this session was not just about statistics. It was about reclaiming peace.

Key Takeaways:

Perfectionism Is Not the Goal—Resilience Is.
Tracy challenged us to examine the harmful trio of overthinking, overfunctioning and people-pleasing—the pillars of professional perfectionism. In their place, she urged us to pursue excellence, grounded presence and collaborative leadership.

Acknowledge the Invisible Load.
Especially for women in PR, unrecognized domestic and emotional labor contributes to mental fatigue. Tracy reminded us that we carry not just our professional responsibilities, but also societal expectations and accumulated trauma, both personal and collective.

Nature Is More Than a Backdrop—It’s a Healing Partner.
As humans, we evolved with nature. Our bodies are wired to respond positively to forests, trees and green spaces. Breathing in the aromatic compounds released by trees—phytoncides—can lower stress hormones, reduce anxiety and boost immune function.

Reconnect With Your Body.
In a culture that often teaches us to ignore, objectify or even resent our bodies, Tracy introduced the concept of “bodyfulness”—the practice of being present in, and kind to, our physical selves. This is not a luxury; it’s foundational to our health and presence as communicators.

Create a Nature-Based Practice—It’s Simpler Than You Think.
Whether it’s setting up a “sit spot” near a tree, mindfully preparing your morning coffee, or keeping a meaningful rock or pinecone in your workspace, small nature-based rituals can ground you. They help activate your parasympathetic nervous system, the one responsible for rest, recovery and resilience.

Meditation Can Be a Bridge.
Tracy led a deeply moving guided visualization, inviting us to sit with a wise oak tree. It wasn’t just relaxation; it was an invitation to feel, to listen inward, and to begin the journey back to ourselves.

As I shared during the session, PR professionals are often the calm in the storm, the voice of reason, the storytellers. But we’re also human. We deserve space to rest, reflect and reconnect.

This session reminded us: Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. And it’s possible to transform what already exists in our lives into something nourishing and regenerative.

Stay tuned for more sessions in this important series. And until then, take a walk, breathe deeply, listen to the wind in the trees. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.

If you missed the session or want to revisit it, you can watch the recording here.