It’s natural for us to struggle when major life changes occur. However, going outdoors has been shown to improve emotional well-being, especially when surrounded by friends and family. So as Earth Day approaches on April 22, consider involving your children in constructive, community, or even at-home projects to refocus everyone’s outlook away from the emotional negativities you have been facing. Communal activities that focus on something beyond your problems can teach your children the importance of global awareness and giving back to your community no matter what you might be dealing with in your personal life. And there’s no better day to refocus your energies on something positive than Earth Day.

Earth Day burst onto the scene like a breath of fresh air in 1970, inspired by one of the first green advocates, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, after the 1969 Santa Barbara, California, oil spill. Teaming with fellow environmental advocate Denis Hayes, they dreamt up the first-ever Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Millions of people from coast to coast joined in, marching, rallying, and soaking up environmental wisdom like sponges. This epic day kickstarted a whole new era of eco-awareness, paving the way for big wins like the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and game-changing laws like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. Every year since, people worldwide come together on April 22 to show our planet some serious love. It’s a day of action, education, and celebration—and reminding us that every day can be Earth Day if we all do our part.