A walk in the woods is great exercise, but did you know it can also ground your mental health and help you recenter? The benefits of immersing ourselves in nature are becoming clearer and clearer, especially the ways in which the natural world can influence our mental health.
Studies show that even just visiting a park can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of chronic disease, decrease anxiety, and improve sleep. On top of that, nature can spark creativity and enhance focus. It’s like giving your brain a much-needed massage and a refreshing boost.
You can experience the benefits of nature for mental health with just a few minutes of sunlight exposure, which can regulate your circadian rhythm—improving sleep quality and overall mood. As a bonus, being surrounded by greenery has been shown to lower cortisol levels, which is the hormone responsible for stress and immune defenses.
Heal with Nature
Our world is filled with stressors, and turning off our brains can feel like a tall order when faced with a growing list of demands. But, spending even a little bit of time out in the natural world can help us disconnect and experience a sense of well-being. That impact increases when you add a little movement to the recipe. Studies show that exercising out in nature for even a five-minute stretch can help you to ground your mental health.
If your mind is asking for a re-charge, try these easy ways to get outside and experience the benefits of spending time in nature:
- Walk to the store instead of driving and turn your daily errands into exercise.
- Set up a cozy reading spot outside with a towel and pillow for extra comfort.
- Ride your bike to work and take the scenic route through the park.
- Sip your morning coffee on the porch—you might even catch a glimpse of some fluffy neighborhood dogs on their morning walk.
- Plan a weekend hike and get your body moving in fresh air and new scenery.
- Take phone calls outside and walk a few laps around your yard or office building for a refreshing reset.
- Meet up with friends for tea or coffee on an outdoor patio surrounded by trees for a more relaxed and energizing conversation.
Even small moments in nature, like feeling the sun on your skin or hearing the breeze shaking up the trees, can have a calming effect on your mind. These little habits create a lifestyle for improving your mental well-being.
Stuck indoors? You can still experience the benefits of nature by bringing elements of it into your space. Tending to a windowsill garden, positioning yourself near a window with a scenic view, or even adding a few houseplants can help boost your mental well-being. If you’re at work, take your lunch break outside on a bench. Choose the table by the window when dining out, whether it’s rain or shine. Even if it’s putting on your headphones and listening to sounds of nature, like a running creek or the ocean waves, it can replicate the calming effects of the great outdoors and help ease stress.
Tune Out to Tune In
One reason nature is good for efforts to ground your mental health is its ability to influence focus. A recent study looked at the effects of voluntary and involuntary attention when participants were immersed in nature. The study found that when a person was out in nature, they were able to turn off their voluntary attention—that skill that allows us to focus on work or tasks—and allow their involuntary attention to thrive. The result: a natural recharge for the brain.
This mental reset can help improve problem-solving skills, boost patience, and even enhance your ability to manage emotions. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, try stepping outside for a few minutes. Nature will give you the refreshing mood shift you need to return to your tasks with a clear mind.
Nature’s Medicine
The payoffs of spending time in nature are huge for treating mental health disorders like anxiety or major depressive disorder. Spending time outside can boost your body’s release of serotonin while allowing your skin to soak up vitamin D, an important vitamin for good mental health. Accessing any of these benefits really is as simple as going for a walk.
Nature and mental health go hand in hand. So, if you feel like you could use a little extra help to ground your mental health, perhaps the solution is just outside your front door.
Contact Ketamine Greater Boston
For more information about our services and how we can support your mental health journey, please contact Ketamine Greater Boston today. Your well-being is our priority.
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