Benefits of Nature
" At the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling" - Shanti Devi
HI friend!
Nature is my personal Higher Power (HP). Every morning I CONNECT by getting out in nature and exercising. It has immense benefits on my emotional, physical, and spiritual health. If its raining outside, I will wait for the rain to pass or at least sit on my porch to get outside in nature. CONNECTING first thing in the morning- sets me up to have a better day- its part of my "“medicine” if you will.
Our relationship with nature – how much we notice, think about and appreciate our natural surroundings – is critical in supporting good mental health and preventing distress. Below are benefits and tips.
Quality counts. Connecting with nature is critical
Spending time in nature is good for us for lots of reasons. “Fresh air and exercise” have long been recommended as a way for many to feel better, physically and mentally. The quality of our relationship with nature is part of the reason for its positive impact on our wellbeing. Researchers use the term “CONNECTEDNESS” to describe the ideal relationship.
CONNECTEDNESS refers to the way we relate to nature and experience nature. A strong CONNECTION with nature means feeling a close relationship or an emotional attachment to our natural surroundings.
There are ways that we can develop our CONNECTEDNESS with nature. Activities that involve the senses can help to develop our CONNECTION with the natural world, as can activities where we feel emotions such as compassion, perceive beauty or find meaning in nature. Here are some ways you can soak in more nature on a daily basis:
Open your windows wide
Enjoy meals outside
Take a walk instead of a coffee break
Move your work and meetings outside when you can
Spend time gardening- Smelling flowers or feeling the soil between our fingers whilst planting bulbs in the garden
Try birdwatching
Go on a hike or a photo walk
Volunteer to clean up a trail or road near you
Play outside with your dog (or a friend’s)
Paint or sketch in nature
Find the perfect outdoor reading nook
Touching the bark of trees
Outdoor meditation
Nature journaling
Rock balancing
Barefoot walking
We don’t always have to be in nature to further our relationship with the natural world: writing a poem about our favorite nature spot or reflecting on preferred walks helps us consciously notice, consider and pause to appreciate the good things in nature.
Now that you have some ideas on how to increase your relationship with nature, the following is a list of the benefits:
People with good nature CONNECTEDNESS tend to be happier
People who are more CONNECTED with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to feel their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration.
Nature CONNECTEDNESS is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health, particularly lower depression and anxiety.
Perhaps not surprisingly, people with strong nature CONNECTEDNESS are likelier to have pro-environmental habits such as recycling items or buying seasonal food. This is likely to lead to further benefits if these pro-environmental activities can lead to natural improvements that we can then go on to enjoy.
Improved sleep
Exposing yourself to sunlight can improve your sleep by:
helping you feel more tired at night
shortening the time it takes to fall asleep
improving the quality of your rest
The nice thing about sunlight? It doesn’t cost a thing. To get a daily dose, you only need to step outdoors.
Boosts Mental Health
Time spent in nature can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. The serene setting of natural landscapes fosters a sense of peace and well-being that is difficult to find in urban environments.
Enhances Creativity
Nature is a boundless source of inspiration. The simplicity and beauty of natural settings can spark creativity, helping to overcome blocks and fostering innovative thinking.
Reduces Stress
The calming effect of natural environments helps lower cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Improves Physical Health
Outdoor activities, whether it’s hiking, walking, or simply strolling through a park, increase physical activity levels, which improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of obesity, and enhance overall physical wellbeing.
Enhances Cognitive Function
Time spent in nature has been shown to improve cognitive function, enhancing memory, attention, and concentration.
Encourages Mindfulness
The natural world, with its intricate details and slow pace, cultivates mindfulness. Being present and fully engaged in the beauty of the moment can have profound effects on mental health and happiness.
Improves Sleep Quality
Regular exposure to natural light and engaging in physical activity outdoors can help regulate your sleep patterns, leading to improved sleep quality and overall health.
Promotes Social Interaction
Outdoor activities often involve or encourage social interaction, whether it’s a family hike, a community garden, or a casual walk with friends. These interactions can strengthen relationships and foster a sense of community.
Enhances Immune Function
Spending time in nature, particularly in forest environments, can boost the immune system. Phytoncides, natural oils found in wood, plants, and some fruits and vegetables, have been found to increase the activity of NK (natural killer) cells, helping the body fight off infections.
Increases Vitamin D Levels
Exposure to sunlight increases the production of Vitamin D in the skin, essential for bone health, immune function, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Offers Therapeutic Benefits
Ecotherapy, or nature therapy, has emerged as a powerful method for treating mental health issues, offering therapeutic benefits through guided interactions with nature.
Enhances Mood
The beauty and tranquility of natural environments can uplift mood, providing a sense of happiness and contentment that is difficult to replicate in urban settings.
From improving mental and physical health to fostering creativity, mindfulness, and a sense of community, the natural world offers a wealth of healing and enrichment.
As we navigate the challenges of modern life, making time to reconnect with nature is not just a luxury; it is essential for our holistic health and happiness.
What ideas from the list above are you going to try to soak in more nature today?
XO Jenna
