The Healing Power of Nature

Nature may be able to reduce stress

If you notice your worries floating away when you’re in green spaces, it’s not just in your mind. One study indicated that spending time in green spaces can reduce cortisol levels. It’s also been shown to ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Being outdoors can also help you to feel less angry and can perk up a bad mood. And you don’t need to pack it up and go to the park for an entire afternoon. One study suggests that even 20 minutes outside can be enough to reap some of the benefits! 

A walk outdoors can help to clear your mind

Ever notice that you get all sorts of inspiring ideas or have the answer to a problem pop into your mind when you’re walking outdoors? This is happening for two reasons. First off, research suggests that being in nature can have the potential to boost your creativity and problem-solving abilities. The act of walking itself can also play a role in helping your brain to think creatively. Next time you are ready to do some brainstorming, head outside for a quick stroll. 

Getting outside may help you to sleep better

Natural light exposure during the daytime can help your body’s sleep/wake cycle to stay on track. This is because the cells in your eyes typically need light exposure to help keep your body’s internal clock working optimally. As humans, we tend to stay inside a lot of the day, plopped in front of the couch, doing chores, sitting in front of the artificial light of our smartphones, or reading a book. But getting outside, especially in the morning, can help your body to prioritize being awake when it needs to be, which is crucial to helping you get a more restful night’s sleep.  

Heading outside can be good for your social life

Study after study has linked loneliness to a host of problems, including a greater risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety. Some experts have equated being lonely to smoking around 15 cigarettes per day! Getting outside often allows you to talk to neighbors who are walking their dogs, getting their mail, or sitting on their porch to enjoy some fresh air. You’ll encounter other people in your nearby park you can interact with or can pair some time outdoors with visiting with a friend. It can also provide you with the chance to meet someone new that you wouldn’t normally interact with. 

Spending time outside can be good for our immune systems

When it comes to health, a little dose of sunshine goes a long way. Spending time around greenery, whether it’s walking down a tree-lined street or gardening in your backyard, has been suggested to be associated with a number of potential health benefits. One study associated increased greenspace exposure with a reduction in factors that create risk of heart disease, asthma, and hypertension. Outdoor time has been linked to lower cholesterol and can even help to ensure you get a nice dose of vitamin D.

Need some ideas on how to spend more time outside? Here are a few things to try:

• Go for a walk with a friend or neighbor or take your dog around the block
• Pack a lunch or order take out and meet a friend to eat in a park or your own backyard
• Plant a garden and spend time tending to it each week
• Take up an outdoor hobby, like pickleball or golf
• Take a break from your favorite reclining chair and sit outside to read your book
• Shop at an outdoor farmer’s market 
• Volunteer in a community garden or for an activity that happens outdoors
• Take a yoga class that meets outdoors in a park
• Go birdwatching at a local nature trail or even in your own neighborhood
• Host a backyard BBQ or party 
• If it’s cold outside, embrace the season! Grab some hot chocolate in a to-go cup, bundle up and take a stroll

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