4 Reasons You Need To Spend More Time In Nature

We are in front of screens now more than ever amidst the pandemic. Our screen time is on a full time high. Sometimes after being on my phone for hours, I feel drained. I feel overwhelmed. With our new normal, we have to triple think our every move to ensure our safety and health and those around us. Being in the comfort of our home is a blessing, but when you are from the city and look out the window only to see more row homes, I can’t say I’m in awe. Let’s be honest, spending TOO much time at home can make you go a little crazy. You cooked up every recipe in the book, you learned how to paint, cut your own hair, made a TikTok, mastered whipped coffee… the list goes on. You ran out of things to do, or perhaps you have time and find yourself with little motivation to do anything. That is why I want to share 4 Reasons you NEED to spend more time in nature. There are serious benefits that can improve your physical and mental health tremendously. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Reduce Stress Levels

Being in nature has positive impacts on our brain , feelings, thought process and our social interactions. It’s not quite clear how nature reduces stress levels scientifically, but many studies have been done to show that nature connectedness helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. According to Harvard Health Publishing, in 2015 they conducted an experiment to study brain activity among two groups. One group walked in a nature setting for 90 minutes, while the other group did so in an urban setting. They found that those who did a nature walk had lower activity in the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that is active during rumination, which is defined as repetitive thoughts that focus on negative emotions. When people are under a lot of stress, the prefrontal cortex is the region of the brain that is most active. This is when people experience a loop of negative thoughts. You know the feeling you get when you can’t stop replaying the thing that made you mad or sad over and over again. This is one of many studies that prove that people who have more experiences in nature vs urban settings leave with lower levels of cortisol – the primary stress hormone. I hope your planning your day in the park now!

2. Inspires Creativity

It’s hard to get creative inspiration when your mind is filled with all the tasks you have to complete and the shortage of time. You’re constantly thinking about the next moment which takes away from the pleasures of that very moment. A study by Stanford University found that you experience a shift in how you view time when in a natural environment. You aren’t pressured by time, or lack of time, and instead enjoy “time abundance” when in nature. You are able to unplug and be present. Your mind is now decluttered and able to cultivate new ideas, clear thoughts, resulting in inspiration and creativity.

3. Boosts Your Immune System

A breath of fresh air, is exactly what it feels like when you breath in nature. You should also know that you experience increased immune function when surrounded by trees and green spaces. One reason is due to the effect of phytoncides, which are the airborne chemicals that plants emit to protect themselves from rotting and insects. This seems to also benefit humans. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, “When people breathe in these chemicals, our bodies respond by increasing the number and activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells or NK. These cells kill tumor- and virus-infected cells in our bodies.” Be one with nature!

4. Improves Your Mental Health

Being in nature promotes mindfulness and gratitude. The very act of walking through nature can help clear your mind of worries and leave you in a state of peace. The calming effects of a natural environment are beneficial for reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. This doesn’t mean that if you’re having a bad day and go for a hike it will instantly disappear, but regularly reconnecting with the natural world will help alleviate such things leading to a happier and a healthier lifestyle.