The health benefits of enjoying nature
When you clock out of work for the day, you may be leaving behind stress for a walk in the park, a barbeque on your deck or to relax in a hammock in your backyard. Suddenly, you feel calm and refreshed from your day. There’s a reason for this.
Research shows that being surrounded by nature may improve your health and wellness.1 Evidence also points to reduced levels of cortisol, a main indicator of stress, when you’re active in green space versus commercial areas.
Some studies even suggest that physical activity in nature can help remedy mild depression1.
The best news is, you don’t have to travel somewhere luxurious to reap these benefits. Even listening and watching birds has been shown to increase mental well-being.2 The natural world is full of multiple sensory experiences. One study suggests that even spending 30 minutes in outdoor green spaces a week can help reduce symptoms of depression.3
Here are some tips on how to engage with nature
- Plant a garden in your backyard. Maintaining it will keep you outside.
- Get your morning workout in by riding your bike to work.
- Throw some sandwiches and fruit into a picnic basket for lunch in the park.
- Find a free outdoor fitness class.
- If you have a pet, set aside 15 minutes for a routine walk outside each day. It’s good for both of you.
In conclusion, getting out in nature, even for a little while, can be extremely beneficial for your well-being. It may help restore the mind from mental fatigue, often associated with sustained focus on school projects or work tasks. This process is known as Attention Restoration Theory, which can help the brain to reset from executive function.4 So whether it’s a brief walk through a park on your way to lunch or a big weekend adventure in the wilderness, getting outside is a way to help improve your mental health and de-stress.
Share
