Nature’s Amazing Mental Health Benefits

The simple act of being out in nature can not only boost your mood but can also provide other amazing mental health benefits. This title from a Stanford study article caught my eye:

“Stanford researchers find mental health prescription: Nature”

According to that study, “A Stanford-led study finds quantifiable evidence that walking in nature could lead to a lower risk of depression.”

The article also mentioned another study that found, “time in nature was found to have a positive effect on mood and aspects of cognitive function, including working memory, as well as a dampening effect on anxiety.”

Also, the New York State Department of environmental conservation states that “research is showing that visiting a forest has real, quantifiable health benefits, both mental and physical.

Even five minutes around trees or in green spaces may improve health.” The following are the potential health benefits they cited.

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Health Benefits From Spending Time Around Trees or Green Spaces

• Boosts immune system
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces stress
• Improves mood
• Increases ability to focus, even in children with ADHD
• Accelerates recovery from surgery or illness
• Increases energy level
• Improves sleep

My personal experience is that nature does promote a more relaxed mood. After even a short walk along a quiet, tree-lined road, my mind is quieted and mood is lifted. A walk in nature with my dogs is one of my favorite self-care activities.

I often say that living in the north woods is a very different way of life compared to my former city life. I’m now surrounded by woods and lakes.

Although I do miss parts of city living, the truth is that I now live a more relaxed and slower way of life. It’s not for everyone, but I feel my experience supports the theories that spending time in nature has emotional benefits – and I do have low blood pressure!

No forest nearby? Don’t fret, the research cited above states that even “green space” can improve health. So just get a little creative so you, too, can reap the benefits of nature.

Creative Ways to Spend Time in Nature

• Take full advantage of any urban green space offered in your community.
• Read a book on your porch, yard or local park. (Read DIY Porch Ideas to make it a sanctuary.)
• Garden – even if your garden is made up of potted plants in a small outside space or in your indoor window area. A community garden is also a nice option.
• Find a good view to take time to watch a sunrise or sunset. (I love to snap photos of those beauties!)
• Take an evening bike ride to a school or other local destination that has green space. Fly a kite or throw a ball (or frizbee) with a friend.
• If you’re lucky enough to have a nearby beach, take a stroll with your toes in the sand.
• Have a picnic at your favorite local park or public space.
• My favorite … go for a walk. Nothing like a little movement and fresh air to revive the soul!
• Watch my video of my recent walk in our neighborhood:

Nature Heals! For What It’s Worth…

If you find yourself feeling down or stressed, give nature a chance to nurture you. If your child or friend had a challenging day, take them to your favorite local green space and just hang out.

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Related Reading:
(Click image to view on Amazon)

“The Nature Fix demonstrates that our connection to nature is much more important to our cognition than we think and that even small amounts of exposure to the living world can improve our creativity and enhance our mood. In prose that is incisive, witty, and urgent, Williams shows how time in nature is not a luxury but is in fact essential to our humanity.”

Little Ways to Bring Nature to an Office, Dorm Room, or Small Space
(Click image to view on Amazon)

Do you find spending time in nature uplifting?

Research continues to prove that there are mental health benefits to be had by spending time in nature.

Whether there’s hard core proof  or not, I hope you are inspired to take time to enjoy nature’s amazing benefits. Thoughts? Please leave a comment. I’m interested to know if nature works as a “prescription” to boost your mood. 

RELATED READING:

• Learn more about improving your physical and mental well-being by reading my post  Why You Should Give Yoga a Good Try.
• Enjoying Nature: Photos to Feed Your Soul

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