As a species that has spent only 0.01 percent of our evolution in a man-made environment, it is no wonder that we have a natural call to nature. In our modern, fast-paced lives, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily routines, often neglecting our innate connection to what is more natural, more human. Outdoor settings, such as open green land, waterfalls, and mountains, feel intuitively good and can have profound healing effects on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In this blog, we will explore the therapeutic benefits of nature and how embracing the outdoors can positively impact our lives.
Nature possesses the remarkable ability to effect our hormonal levels and, as a result, able to uplift our spirits, reduce stress and enhance our emotional well-being. Studies have shown that being in nature increases the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood. Nature's beauty and serenity can evoke feelings of awe and wonder, fostering a sense of gratitude and inner peace. Spending time in natural environments, whether it's a serene forest, a tranquil beach, or a peaceful park, has been scientifically proven to lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. A study into the sounds of nature found that walking through a city with traffic noise was far more stress-inducing compared to those walking with headphones playing a soundtrack of singing birds. The soothing sounds of the rustling of leaves or the gentle stream flow can calm our nervous system, helping to alleviate anxiety and restore inner peace.
Studies have shown that patients recovering from surgery with a window view of nature have increased recovery rates than those with a blocked view of the outdoors. Even in hospital rooms containing plants, patients recorded lower blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety levels. While man-made objects tend to evolve in perfectly straight edges and right angles, nature is made up of interesting geometrical patterns called fractals. Tech companies are even conscious of their impact, as most devices' default backdrop resembles some type of natural outdoor setting. These images, also containing fractals, have an impact on our capacity to feel calmer and to heal faster.
Engaging with nature also brings numerous physical health benefits. Outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or even gardening provide opportunities for exercise, helping to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and enhance overall fitness levels. Exposure to natural sunlight allows our bodies to produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and supports our immune system. Additionally, spending time in nature has been linked to improved sleep patterns, as the sunlight helps to calibrate our sleep-wake cycle, known as our circadian rhythm. Research shows absorbing natural light first thing in the morning to be the most effective habit at keeping our energy levels well distributed throughout the day, avoiding those mid-afternoon crashes and sleepless nights.
In our technology-driven world, our minds are often overstimulated, and our senses are overloaded with fast-moving images, sounds, and information. Nature offers a much-needed respite, allowing our minds to unwind and slow down. Research suggests that spending time in natural environments enhances cognitive function, improves focus, and boosts creativity. Whether it's a leisurely walk in the woods or a hike up a mountain, the natural surroundings provide space for mental clarity, enabling us to think more clearly and find innovative solutions to problems away from the business of life. The experience of mindfulness that being in nature can create allows us to be fully present in the moment and appreciate the beauty and intricacies of the natural world. Whether observing a delicate flower, listening to the gentle breeze, or feeling the earth beneath our feet, nature encourages us to slow down, embrace stillness, and forge a deeper connection with ourselves and our environment.
In a world dominated by screens and synthetic environments, it seems necessary to recognise the healing power of nature and prioritise time outdoors. By reconnecting with the natural world, we can experience many benefits, including recovery, stress reduction, improved mental clarity, enhanced physical health, and emotional restoration. The recent rise in popularity of eco therapies in the wellness space is starting to gather the research behind it to justify the benefits of outdoor practices such as forest bathing, hiking, or free water swimming. Breathing in the fresh air, and allowing nature's wonders to heal and rejuvenate us, is a way of returning to the harmonious balance between ourselves and the world around us.
