GEORGETOWN COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – Georgetown County is introducing “calm spots” at local parks as mental health becomes a growing priority for residents.
The first of five planned calm spots will be located at Morse Park in Murrells Inlet, designed to help people decompress in natural settings.
“So calm spots will have some basic directions just to kind of lead you through some exercises of breathing, being intentional, being outside, listening, observing your surroundings, just an opportunity to disconnect mindfully,” said Beth Goodale, Georgetown County director of recreation and community services.
The idea of calm spots originated decades ago with the intention of boosting mental health by getting people outdoors.
The concept draws from a Japanese practice called shin-rinoku.
“The practice, the shin-rinoku, was developed in the 80’s in Japan as a health program,” Goodale said. “It was developed to give people opportunities to be intentional, relieve stress, to disconnect from the devices that cause craziness in many of our lives.”
The spots are designed for people who need a mental break but don’t have time for longer outdoor activities.
“People are on their phone, on their computer, they get all kinds of constant information coming into them, and sometimes people just need a break,” said T.L. Staub, Georgetown County Parks and Recreation outdoor coordinator. “We encourage people to hike and bike and paddle, but sometimes you just don’t have the time to go out and do a hike for an hour or something, but you have time to come and sit for 15 minutes and just relax.”
The county plans to have five total calm spots at different parks across Georgetown County and hopes to increase that number in the future.
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