Mental Health and Nature
Most of us are aware of how much better we feel when we spend some time outside – whether that is time on our deck or porch, taking a walk in our neighborhood or a hike in the woods. But often the pace of life causes us to discount the significance of this as a routine practice for optimal health that can lead to reduced stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. So, let’s take a few minutes and review some research that supports this perspective. It might just give you impetus to create small routine changes that will have a powerful impact on your health and your life.
You may have heard the term “forest bathing,” a practice in Japanese culture that involves immersing oneself in a forest for several days or even weeks at a time. The plants release microbial compounds that act on the nervous system to reduce anxiety and depression, as well as create an oxygen-rich environment, leading to reduced cortisol, enhanced immune system functioning, and improved overall wellbeing. Additionally, the sound of birdsong has been found to alleviate stress and improve mental focus, and sunlight on your face for a few minutes in the morning will reset your circadian rhythm to prepare you for sleep that night.
We don’t need to spend weeks in the forest to reap the benefits of time in nature - a back yard, a local park, or even a tree lined neighborhood will suffice. Make it part of your daily routine, engage your senses by noticing what you see, hear, smell, and touch, and you’ll likely feel calmer in the moment. And, over time, your body will reap the benefits.
Lastly, consider how Nordic and Scandinavian people approach the colder, darker months of winter. They believe that “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad (inadequate) clothing.” So let’s enjoy some daily time outside here at the end of summer and as we move into winter. Its one of the easiest practices we can incorporate into our life that will be beneficial for mind, body, and spirit.
Find more information about the positive impacts of nature on mental health here:
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-listening-to-bird-song-can-transform-our-mental-health.html
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-20841-0
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-forest-therapy-can-be-good-for-your-body-and-mind
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9665958/
https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/how-to-reset-your-circadian-rhythm/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/circadian-rhythm
