Why is Nature Good for my Mental Health?
There is an ever-growing evidence base on the beneficial effects of spending time in nature and green space on our mental health and physical wellbeing.
Research studies have suggested that spending as little as 2 hours a week in nature can have a profound impact on general wellbeing. This can be taken in one large outing or broken down into shorter chunks across the week.
The benefits of nature on mental health:
Reduces Stress: Exposure to natural environments and green spaces can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Spending time outdoors helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.
Boosts Mood: Natural settings can improve mood by promoting feelings of calm and happiness. Natural light and open spaces can also help increase serotonin levels, contributing to better emotional regulation and a lifted mood.
Improves Focus and Cognitive Function: Nature has a restorative effect on attention and cognitive function. Spending time out in nature can improve concentration and creativity, helping to reduce mental fatigue and improve overall cognitive performance.
Enhances Social Interaction: Natural spaces encourage social interaction. Walking in parks, hiking in the countryside, or engaging in other outdoor activities can promote positive social connections, which are important for mental health. Strong social networks are linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety.
Encourages Physical Activity: Being in nature often leads to physical activity of some kind, which in itself releases endorphins and boosts our mood.
Provides a Sense of Awe: Natural environments can provide us with a sense of awe and connection. We might find ourselves noticing beautiful views, wild animals or the change of seasons. This can help provide perspective, improve emotional resilience, and contribute to a more positive outlook on life.
Improves Sleep: Exposure to natural light can help regulate sleep patterns. Sunlight boosts the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Better sleep can lead to better overall mental wellbeing.
How can I connect with nature?
There are many ways that you can connect with nature. Connecting with nature in a meaningful way can be done through mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being present, in the moment without judgement. Observing the sights, sounds, smells, touch and taste of the natural environment can help you to really focus and connect with what is happening around you.
Next time you step out into nature, give it a try:
What can you see? – Notice the colours, shades, tones
What can you hear around you? – Notice the sounds close by and in the distance
What can you touch? – Notice the texture, smoothness, temperature
What can you taste? – Notice the flavour
What can you smell in the air? – Notice and label the smells
What if I can’t get outdoors very often?
Don’t worry! If you are restricted and unable to get outdoors frequently, there are other ways to get your nature fix. Research suggests that having links to the natural world in your home can also have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. These could include the following:
Watching nature documentaries
Having / tending to house plants
Positioning your chair or desk to look outside
Play nature-based soundtracks, such as birdsong or falling rain
In short, we can connect with nature in all sorts of ways! Nature offers a variety of mental health benefits by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, enhancing mood, promoting physical activity, and encouraging connection, all of which contribute to better overall wellbeing.