How Spending Time in Nature Can Improve Mental Health
Do you know the saying, “April showers bring May flowers”? May flowers can also appear alongside an improved mental state. Being present in nature has been a remedy for stress and anxiety for centuries, and during a time where social media has fueled our insecurities and disrupted our attention spans, a reminder of nature’s benefits is needed more than ever. Many studies have been conducted in recent years that prove that spending time outdoors can do wonders in improving mental health. Now that summer is approaching, let’s take a look at what those studies found:
According to American biologist Edward O. Wilson, humans naturally possess something known as “biophilia,” which is the tendency to seek a deep connection with nature. His hypothesis suggests that biophilia is something that is ingrained in our DNA. Perhaps it is this innate sensation that draws us to spend time in nature whenever we are at low points in our lives.
When we spend time outdoors, our stress and anxiety levels can be reduced. This happens because the calming sights and sounds of nature can reduce hormones such as cortisol, and walking outside can also lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Being outside can also ease symptoms of depression by increasing serotonin, dopamine, and vitamin D levels due to exposure to sunlight and fresh air. Spending time in nature can also be helpful towards your creativity and your ability to stay alert. With this reduced mental clutter, you will have the energy and productivity to do the things you love.
All of these benefits sound promising, but you are probably thinking, “How exactly can I incorporate spending time in nature into my routine?” Here are some activities you can pick up in order to make spending time outdoors a regular occurrence:
Take walks in the park
Spend time gardening
Plan a weekend hike
Exercise outdoors
Spend time stargazing
These ideas just might bring some much-needed peace during a rough patch. Since it is now the perfect time of year to spend time outdoors, we should take care of our mental health by having fun outside in order to experience its benefits. If it is in our nature to desire time with nature, then we should take any opportunity to do so.
