The Amazing Benefits of Nature on Mental Health

Since the beginning of time, humans have evolved to have an affinity towards nature. We see it constantly: when we travel abroad and request a hotel room with a view, or when stress takes a toll, we crave a brisk walk outside to ‘clear our minds’ - it’s no secret that nature can ignite an incomparable feeling of happiness and peace in us. The list of mental health benefits of connecting with nature is endless, with countless research being done into why staying close to nature has such a positive impact on our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Nature prescribing is a relatively new term, deriving from the ancient concept of prescribing contact with nature for people who have low levels of mental wellbeing. This concept dates back to the 16th century, and still remains equally as relevant today.

How nature can benefit your mental health

The mental benefit of being outdoors is second to none, and studies have shown that those suffering with depression (from mild to major) showed significant improvements in their mood when they spent time outside, exposed to nature. Not only that, but they felt more motivated and energised, and showed to be taking encouraging steps towards recovery. Connecting with nature is also an effective stress reliever, as being outside can help suppress the stress hormone: cortisol.

Connecting with nature can also be beneficial to anyone suffering with SAD (seasonal affective disorder), a type of depression that affects people during certain seasons. As we enter the colder months, we begin to find ourselves spending less time outside, which is why many people often find a drop in their mood during the autumn/winter months. Making the effort to spend some time outside on a bright, winter day can be extremely beneficial in battling these feelings.

The positive impact on physical health

Aside from the obvious physical health benefits of walking, spending time outside also has a variety of other physical health benefits that may surprise you. In Japan, forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a famous form of nature therapy. Research has shown that people who practice forest bathing have optimum nervous system functions, well-balanced heart conditions, and reduced bowel disorders. Outdoor activities have also proven to reduce chances of developing eyesight problems, and have connections to lowering BMI, as people who exercise outdoors are less fatigued and have fewer chances of suffering from obesity and related conditions.

Nature leaves a positive, lasting impression on us every day. Not only does it benefit our mental and physical health, but it benefits our creativity too, as nature has been the muse to many of the greatest pieces of art and music. There is no bond more primitive and ingrained in us than our love for nature, so we should be taking advantage of it's endless benefits!