Nature is magical. For our eyes, it gives a visual treat of stillness and tranquillity. For our minds, it gives a sense of calmness and quiet that heal our emotional scars with its therapeutic touch. Whether you call it forest bathing, eco-therapy, green time or the wildness cure, spending time in nature can benefit us in more ways than we can imagine. According to a study, people who spent two hours a week in green spaces such as parks, woodlands or beaches, reported having better health and wellbeing.
Spending time in nature is like doing meditation with open eyes and moving legs. You just have to breathe, meander at your own pace, and let nature do what it does best. Heal. So, if you’ve been feeling down lately, stressed out, sluggish, or maybe wondering where your life is headed? Get out of the house and step into the sunshine. If you want, invite a loved one or a friend to join you who can use the therapeutic healing of nature just like you do.
Let’s take a closer look into how nature works and a few mental health benefits it offers.
Boosts your mood
Have you ever sat on a bench in a green park when you were upset or annoyed? If yes, you must have felt a sense of calmness sweeping over you as if a load has been lifted from your shoulders. This is because being in nature helped you overcome negative feelings such as anger or fear and replaced them with a sense of calm. According to American Psychological Association, “contact with nature is associated with increases in happiness, subjective well-being, positive affect, positive social interactions and a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as decreases in mental distress.”
Reduces anxiety and stress
In times like today, it hardly comes as a surprise when you hear people talking about their struggles. How stressful their lives have become and how anxious they are about the future. And the more you feel stressed and anxious, the worse your mental health becomes. It is therefore of utmost importance that you take the necessary measures to overcome these issues. A growing body of research suggests that an effective way of improving your mental health might be something as simple as spending some time outdoors. A study found that “as little as 10 minutes in a natural setting can help college students feel happier and lessen the effects of both physical and mental stress.”
Spending time in nature for mental health benefits is referred to as forest bathing, eco-therapy, green time, or the wildness cure.
Spending time in nature has a calming effect on the mind, which helps to reduce negative emotions such as anger, fear, anxiety, and stress.
Spending time in nature allows individuals to become more mindful of their surroundings, which can improve their attention span. Additionally, studies have shown that engaging in outdoor activities in nature can lead to increased confidence.
Spending time in nature, especially in green spaces, can improve one’s mood and overall well-being, encouraging physical activity such as walking, jogging, or exercising.
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