The Positive Effects Of Nature On Your Physical and Mental Wellbeing

The modern world has become more urbanized, and people are increasingly disconnected from nature. In recent years, however, there has been growing interest in reconnecting with nature, and studies have shown that this can have numerous benefits for human health.

This article will explore the benefits of reconnecting with nature, with a focus on how it can improve human health. We will examine studies that have been conducted on the topic and discuss the various ways in which people can reconnect with nature, including hiking, camping, walking on trails, cycling, going to the beach, and engaging in regular outdoor exercises.

Benefits of Reconnecting with Nature

The benefits of reconnecting with nature are numerous and varied. Some of the most significant benefits are outlined below:

Improved Mental Health

One of the most significant benefits of reconnecting with nature is improved mental health. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that spending time in nature can help to reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall well-being. Another study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly increase feelings of happiness and well-being.

Increased Physical Health

Reconnecting with nature can also have a positive impact on physical health. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help to reduce blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and boost the immune system. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives found that people who live in areas with more green space have lower rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Improved Cognitive Function

Studies have also shown that reconnecting with nature can help to improve cognitive function. A study published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning found that exposure to nature can help to improve attention span and cognitive performance. Another study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that children who spend time in nature have better cognitive functioning and are better able to concentrate on tasks.

Here is more detailed information on grounding (or Earthing), which is another important way to reconnect with nature for health benefits.

Increased Creativity

Reconnecting with nature can also help to boost creativity. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help to stimulate the imagination and encourage creative thinking. A study published in the journal PLoS One found that spending time in nature can increase creativity by up to 50%.

Improved Sleep Quality

Finally, reconnecting with nature can also help to improve sleep quality. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can help to regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to better sleep quality. A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that spending time in nature can help to improve sleep quality and increase feelings of restfulness.

Studies on the Benefits of Reconnecting with Nature

Numerous studies have been conducted on the wide-ranging benefits of reconnecting with nature. Some of the most significant studies are outlined below:

1. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that spending time in nature can help to reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall well-being. The study surveyed 537 participants and found that those who spent more time in nature reported lower levels of depression and higher levels of overall well-being.
2. A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly increase feelings of happiness and well-being. The study asked participants to take a walk-in nature or in an urban environment and found that those who walked in nature reported significantly higher levels of happiness and well-being.
3. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives found that people who live in areas with more green space have lower rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. The study surveyed over 8,000 adults and found that those who lived in areas with more green space had lower rates of chronic diseases than those who lived in large cities.
4. A study published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning found that exposure to nature can help to improve attention span and cognitive performance. The study asked participants to complete a cognitive task before and after a nature walk and found that those who took the nature walk performed significantly better on the task than those who did not.
5. A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that spending time in nature can help to improve sleep quality and increase feelings of restfulness. The study surveyed over 300 participants and found that those who spent more time in nature reported better sleep quality and greater feelings of restfulness.
6. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that exposure to natural environments can help to reduce stress and improve cognitive function. The study asked participants to complete a stressful task and then spend time in either a natural or urban environment. Those who spent time in the natural environment reported lower levels of stress and better cognitive performance than those who spent time in the urban environment.
7. A study published in the journal PLoS One found that spending time in nature can increase creativity by up to 50%. The study asked participants to complete a creativity task after spending time in either a natural or urban environment. Those who spent time in the natural environment were significantly more creative than those who spent time in the urban environment.
8. A study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that spending time in nature can increase physical activity levels. The study surveyed over 2,000 adults and found that those who spent more time in nature were more likely to engage in physical activity than those who spent less time in nature.

How to Reconnect with Nature for Better Mental Health

There are numerous ways to reconnect with nature. Some of the most popular ways include hiking, camping, walking on trails, cycling, going to the beach, and engaging in regular outdoor exercises.

Hiking

Hiking is a popular way to reconnect with nature. It allows people to explore natural environments, enjoy beautiful scenery, and get exercise at the same time. Hiking can range from short, easy walks to more challenging treks through rugged terrain.

Camping

Camping is another popular way to reconnect with nature. It allows people to spend time in natural environments, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Camping can range from car camping in established campgrounds to backpacking in remote wilderness areas.

Walking on Trails

Walking on trails is a great way to reconnect with nature. It allows people to explore natural environments and get exercise at the same time. Walking on trails can range from easy walks on well-maintained paths to more challenging hikes through rugged terrain.

Cycling

Cycling is a fun and healthy way to reconnect with nature. It allows people to explore natural environments while getting exercise at the same time. Cycling can range from leisurely rides on paved bike paths to more challenging rides on mountain bike trails.

Going to the Beach

Going to the beach is a great way to reconnect with nature. It allows people to enjoy natural environments such as sand, water, and sun. Going to the beach can range from relaxing on the sand to engaging in water sports such as swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding. Just the smells at the beach can begin a relaxation response.

Engaging in Regular Outdoor Exercises

Engaging in regular outdoor exercises such as jogging, yoga, and tai chi is a great way to reconnect with nature. It allows people to enjoy natural environments while getting exercise at the same time. Regular outdoor exercises can help to improve physical health, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Outdoor Accessibility

It is important to note that not everyone has equal access to natural environments. People who live in urban areas or who have limited mobility may have difficulty accessing green spaces. To ensure that everyone can benefit from nature, it is important to promote the creation and maintenance of green spaces in urban areas and to make outdoor activities more accessible to people with disabilities.

In some cases, you can bring the outdoors inside to some degree to improve well-being. This can be in the form of plants, indoor trees, an indoor herb garden, and even paintings and pictures of nature. These things can induce some of the same beneficial physiological responses as being in nature, although to a lesser degree. This is known as biomimicry.

Where Can You Learn More?

By taking time to enjoy natural environments, people can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall physical and mental health. Whether it is hiking in the mountains, camping in the woods, or simply taking a walk in the park, spending time in nature can provide a much-needed respite from the pressures of daily life. As a NESTA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer or Group Exercise Instructor, you can take your clients outdoors. 

If this topic interests you, you will want to check out the following blogs:

• Earthing Exercises for Improved Mental and Physical Health
• What are the Key Factors to Living a Holistic Life?
• Top Ways to Manage Stress Through Exercise and Movement

If you have any questions about this topic, others, or any NESTA or Spencer Institute programs, let us know how we can help you.

Thanks for reading!