Spending time around nature can help divert us away from everyday distractions like social media and the tv. Being outdoors can have an immensely positive impact on our mental and physical health.
Taking a walk outdoors, listening to the sound of nature, and taking a deep breath of fresh air, can improve your mood and focus. With much of the world working from home, it’s important we make time to get outdoors.
Below are some of the ways nature can help improve our well-being:
- Improves heart health- Studies have found people who live or spend time around nature have lower blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones. Nature gives you a sense of calmness in the fast-paced world we live in today. It makes us pause and gather our thoughts calmly, which can significantly benefit our heart health.
- Improves mood, reduces stress and anger- If you ever come across a stressful and unmanageable situation, try to move away from the source and go outdoors to be around nature. This will instantly lift your mood and even help you think outside of the box to develop a thoughtful plan to tackle your problems.
- Helps improve your physical health and self-confidence- Often, when doing activities such as hiking, kayaking, or running, we are setting a goal or destination to meet, giving us a feeling of accomplishment when we beat them. This will help you stay physically active, develop new skills, and boost your self-confidence.
- Recharging- Taking time away from everyday busy life and focusing on the natural surroundings can help you break away from your worries and allow you to recharge. While other activities such as watching your favourite tv show, journaling, practising meditation can also help, being around nature will have a slightly more calming and relaxing effect.
Not sure how you can spend more time around nature? Here are a few of our favourite things to do in nature:
- Exercising outdoors: Going for a run, doing yoga by the beach or in your garden, and taking your dog for a walk to your local park are some of the best and effortless ways to be around nature.
- Having a picnic in your local park: Taking a mug of tea and some snacks to have a picnic with your friends and families sounds like a perfect weekend plan. Plus, if you have sunny weather, there is no other better way to get your vitamin Ds.
- Gardening: Growing seasonal vegetables, fruits, and flowers will not only help you spend more time around nature, but you will also feel connected with nature, your surroundings and develop a growth mindset.
- Go Hiking: Whether it’s with your dog, group of friends, family, or even alone, planning and taking a hike can help you get closer to nature. Finishing a hike will also give you a sense of accomplishment, which can boost your self-confidence.
- Visit a National park: There are various plants and animals you may come across in a national park which can be very rewarding. Looking and appreciating the beauty of nature will distract you away from your problems and even help you think of something you never even considered.
- So, will you be visiting a national park or arrange a picnic with your friends soon? Let us know in the comments section!
- Your mental health should be a necessity and not a luxury. If you feel that your friends or family member will benefit from these tips and advice, please feel free to share this article with them.
