Spending time in green spaces or incorporating nature into your daily routine can improve your mental health. For example, growing food or flowers, exercising outside, or spending time at the zoo can all have a positive impact.
Nature is good for mental health in many ways, such as getting away from the stresses of everyday life. Studies show that many Americans spend most of their time indoors, often using technology. However, spending too much time indoors or in front of a screen can be bad for our physical and mental health.
How Does Nature Enhance Mental Health
Nature and mental health work hand in hand. Being outside, breathing in fresh air, and experiencing relaxing sights and sounds benefits everyone. In addition, recent ecological issues and climate change have caused stress and anxiety. Connecting with nature can help relieve stress and improve a variety of conditions, including sleep disturbances, depression, and loneliness.
Spending time in nature has been shown to improve mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. For instance, ecotherapy (a type of formal treatment that involves outdoor activities) has been shown to help with mild to moderate depression. This could be attributed to combining regular physical activity and social contact with time outside in nature.
Being outside in natural light can help if you suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons or times of the year. Furthermore, Nature can be an effective stress-management tool. While not all stress is bad—for example, stress can motivate you to meet a work deadline or keep an eye on your children at the pool—prolonged or chronic stress can harm your emotional and mental health.
However, nature may be able to counteract stress and its effects. For example, one study found that spending five minutes in nature can regulate the sympathetic nervous system. A 2009 study discovered that “doses” of nature can be as effective as medication for temporarily improving concentration in children with ADHD.
Another study discovered that greener environments decrease emotional dysregulation and aggression. Spending time in nature can also be beneficial for former members of the armed forces suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Other Benefits of Nature
Other benefits of nature to our mental health include better breathing. Spending more time in natural green spaces may help reduce your risk of respiratory issues. Places with high air circulation tend to have the freshest air. Also, you will enjoy quality sleep when you spend more time in nature. Devoting more time outdoors can improve sleep quality because natural light helps regulate our internal body clock, resulting in a more restful night.
Interestingly, nature also provides a peaceful and serene environment that aids in anger management. The beauty of nature in places like a garden or beach makes people want to relax and calm down. Being surrounded by trees, water, and fresh air can have a calming effect on the mind and help people relieve stress and frustration.
Nature is truly the best medicine for your body and mind. For example, the physical benefits of spending time in nature, such as lower blood pressure, faster recovery, and more energy, are inextricably linked to mental health.
How Can to Connect with Nature When Stuck Indoor
Do you feel stuck inside all day? And you will love to connect with nature more to enjoy the benefits. There are several ways to incorporate more green space into your daily routine. First, think about how you can enjoy nature even when you’re stuck indoors.
Even though it’s not the same as being in a fully immersive green space outside, you can still engage your senses by playing nature-inspired music or recordings of birds singing or rainstorms, bringing tropical flowers into your home and office, or using a humidifier with natural scents. These techniques can improve relaxation and job satisfaction by using the same mechanisms that being outdoors can provide.
On a larger scale, you could consider collaborating with your neighbors to create a community garden, joining or coordinating a walking or bird-watching club, and advocating for high-quality parks and environmental centers in your town or city.
How Much Nature Do I Need
According to some research, even short outdoor visits can be beneficial. However, there is evidence that specific amounts and types of outdoor time may have a greater impact on well-being. For example, a study discovered that 20- to 90-minute nature sessions were most beneficial for mental health, with gardening, nature-based therapy, and outdoor exercise being the most effective for adults.
According to a large survey, people who spent at least two hours per week in nature — whether in one longer outing or in multiple smaller chunks of time — were more likely to describe their health and well-being positively than those who did not spend any time outside. If that seems unattainable, Smith suggests aiming for 15 minutes per day.
Wrapping up
Spending regular time outside, particularly in nature, can have a significant positive impact on physical and mental health. Nature can also help you strengthen your connection with the planet, or Mother Nature herself. Nature-based activities improve both mental and physical health.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician. Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
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