Natural wonder - the nurturing benefits of nature
The biophilia hypothesis postulates that humans naturally gravitate to natural spaces. That's why camping, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, paddleboarding, surfing, picnics, and long walks on the beach are such popular pursuits. The benefits of spending time outdoors have been well documented, with "Tonic of the wilderness" written by David Thoreau in 1854. In fact, in 1982 the Japanese government coined the term shinrin-yoku, which roughly translates to forest bathing as part of their national public health program.
Spending time in the great outdoors can
Reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, stress or anger
Improve your physical health
Boost your confidence and self-esteem
Aid creativity and problem-solving
Foster relaxation
Increase empathy and cooperation
Being in nature helps us practice mindfulness. Our awareness is in the present moment and that generally leads to higher levels of happiness. Improved mental health through reduced levels of mental fatigue and restored cognitive function.
Nature deprivation, largely due to time spent in front of a screen, is correlated to depression and isolation. People that spend time outdoors are also more likely to interact with others.
“There is mounting evidence, from dozens and dozens of researchers, that nature has benefits for both physical and psychological human wellbeing,” Lisa Nisbet, PhD
Time spent outdoors has a range of health benefits from increased vitamin D levels (resulting in decreased risk of cancer, osteoporosis and heart attack), lower stress (reduced cortisol), reduced blood pressure and heart rate, improved immune response, relieving muscular tension and exposure to a diversity of microbes and antigens that increase our immunity (which all result in lower healthcare costs). Green spaces have better air quality and are associated with a lower incidence of heart disease and death from all causes (therefore, a greater life expectancy).
Clinical studies have also shown that hospital gardens and even views of natural spaces (through a window or even a print) can reduce pain, improve medical outcomes, increase healing and reduce the length of hospital stays as well as caregiver stress.
So, how much time do we need to spend in nature? Research suggests the tipping point is 120 minutes a week. The great news is that even a 15-minute walk in the local park at lunchtime during the week will provide benefits to well-being including improved concentration and increased memory.
Easy ways to increase your time with nature include
Eating your meals outside
Walk or ride in your neighbourhood rather than on a treadmill/stationary bike
Get up in time to watch the sunrise
Go for a walk after dinner
Conduct walking meetings and share the great outdoors with your colleagues #optoutside
Plan a weekend day trip to the beach or forest
Read a book under a tree
Add plants to your indoor spaces
Create a veggie garden (this can be done in pots if you only have access to a balcony)
Arrange to catch up with friends for a picnic
Park your car a block from work or get off the train/bus one stop early and walk the remainder to the office
Literally, stop to smell the roses
