Have you ever noticed how you feel after spending time outdoors? Did you know that there are actually health benefits of time in nature?
In our super busy, technology-driven world finding solace in the natural wonders that surround us has become increasingly important. When we spend so much time inside, looking at our screens we neglect out innate needs of maintaining a connection with nature.
As you head into the new year, I encourage you to prioritise spending more time outdoors, connecting with nature. If you need some convincing, todays blog article will discuss easy ways you can spend time in nature and why it is so important to your health.
Different ways you can spend time in nature
There are so many ways you can spend time in nature. Here are a few ideas for you to try:
- Sit or stroll on the beach
- Swim in the ocean
- Go surfing/body boarding
- Snorkel or dive with dolphins and whales
- Hike in a rainforest
- Forest-bath (Shinrin-Yoku)
- Run in bush
- Chase waterfalls
- Climb a tree
- Tend to your garden
- Grow flowers and vegetables
- Spend time looking after your indoor house plants, propagate, create your own potting mix – do this on your apartment balcony, in the fresh air.
- Stand outside when its raining
- Canoe, Kayak, boat, or jetski in a lake
- Go fishing
- Climb/boulder a mountain
- Ski in the snow
- Walk amongst a flower/garden show
- Take the dog for a walk
- Sit amongst a bird sanctuary
The list could go on an on, but I think you get the point. There are so many ways us humans can spend time in nature. It doesn’t have to be for an intense hike or run through the bush. Doing anything at all that allows you to really ‘connect’ with nature is the key.
When it comes to connecting with nature, have a think about your 5 senses. For example, looking at the ocean, listening to the waves, smelling the seaweed, the feel of the ocean on your skin and the taste of salt on your mouth. As humans, we are naturally drawn to water. I know I feel a lot better within myself if I know I am near a body of water.
Now that you have an idea of what I mean about spending time in nature, lets discuss why it is so important and what the health benefits are.
Health benefits
The health benefits of nature are vast. For the purpose of todays post, I will focus on just a few that are linked with our connection to nature.
Britannica.com outlines that the Biophilia Hypothesis is the idea that humans have an innate desire to seek out connections with nature and other life. As humans, to continue to exist, we are completely dependant on nature.
There have been numerous studies over the years into the evidence that spending time in nature leads to improvements in our health. So, lets take a look at some of the benefits –
improves cognitive functioning
Nature has an amazing ability to stimulate our creativity and boost cognitive functioning. Studies have shown that exposure to natural environments enhances problem-solving skills, attention span, and creative thinking.
The changing colours, textures, and sounds of nature activate different parts of our brain, fostering a state of heightened imagination and innovative thinking.
Strolling through a botanical garden, finding inspiration while gazing at a glistening lake, nature’s beauty sparks our creativity. I actually come up with my most creative ideas after hiking for hours in nature….yet at the same time, my mind feels clear of rumination about the past or worrying about the future.
Mindset plays a huge role in our overall health and wellbeing. There are many things we can do to strengthen our mindset, such as meditation and journaling. I would argue that the benefits of these are enhanced when we pair them with time in nature.
improves immune functioning and physical health
Hiking, swimming, cycling, or simply exploring natural landscapes promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves overall fitness. But, we all know that moving our body is beneficial for our physical health. So, of course spending time in nature to exercise is bound to be good for us.
However, did you know that spending time in nature is also beneficial to our Immune function? A Japanese study found that exposure to phytoncides may increase NK cells in the body. You can read more about that here.
Fresh air and Vitamin D from sunlight enhance our immune system and contribute to better sleep patterns. By spending time in nature, we invest in our physical health and unlock a multitude of benefits.
enhances emotional wellbeing
There is a lot of research on the benefits of spending time in nature and the impact it has on our emotional wellbeing (mental health). The Mental Health Foundation (2021) provide a detailed report on this here.
Spending time ‘in the green’ can really help reduce stress and anxiety and elevate your mood, which can help with Depression. Kondo, Jacoby and South (2018) wrote a review about this, you can read that here.
I know when I am feeling stressed or have horrible PMS, I always find it helps to feel connected with nature. Whether that be from hiking in a forest, strolling along the beach and watching the sunlight glisten on the ocean or something else. I even find just sitting on the balcony, propagating my house plants and feeling the soil on my skin, and touching the leaves to be soothing.
improve social health, through calming response
Spending time in nature can help with social relationships. One way is through the impact that nature has on lowering our stress levels. With lower stress levels and the calming response that nature provides, this can help reduce feelings of aggression. So, the next time you are feeling agitated or irritable, rather than getting into an argument – maybe go for a stroll outside instead.
Nature also provides an ideal backdrop for strengthening relationships and building social connections through shared experiences. Sharing experiences outdoors with others can promote bonding and create lasting memories.
Think about it, can you remember back to some of your enjoyable holidays? Maybe it was a family hike, or a camping trip with friends. I don’t know about you, but I rarely remember the events that were spent inside in front of a TV screen.
Fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship, is another way that time in nature can help with social health. I wrote more about this in a blog about social self care, you can read that here.
provides a spiritual connection
Spending time in nature provides a sense of connectedness and spirituality. Immersing ourselves in natural surroundings allows us to disconnect from the constant stimulation of modern life, our screens and helps us to reconnect with our inner selves.
The tranquility and beauty of nature inspire contemplation, self-reflection, and a sense of awe. Whether it’s gazing at a starry sky, listening to the rustling leaves in a forest, or feeling the soothing touch of the ocean breeze, nature reminds us of the profound mysteries and interconnectedness of life.
I personally use time in nature as one of my core self care strategies. You can read about that more here. Many cultures honour nature and see humans and nature as one. Spending time in nature can help you to develop a stronger connection with it and where you fit in the world. Caring for the natural environment and other living creatures can help bring a sense of purpose to your life.
If you want to read more about the spiritual connection between humans and nature, Sri Sri Ravi Shankars blog article here is a lovely read.
In summary, as you head into the new year with your resolutions, goals and words of the year, don’t forget you have access to something powerful. It is available to you always, its free and its remarkably beautiful. It’s nature!
If you would like more ideas on how to connect with nature, I’d love to hear from you. Send me an email at rebecca@theorchardrose.com or even book in an online coaching session.
