Nature's Role in Mental Health

As the weather warms up and the days get longer, it’s the perfect time to incorporate nature into our daily self-care routine! Nature has the remarkable ability to help us find balance and tranquility in our hectic lives, providing a natural remedy for stress and anxiety.

The American Psychological Association (2020) offers some insight into natural remedies and how they can positively affect your mental health, general well-being, and sense of connectedness.

Relax: Immersing yourself in nature can significantly reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and anger, leading to a sense of peace and relaxation. These breaths of fresh air can notably decrease stress markers such as blood pressure and heart rate.

Connect: Experiencing nature's diversity and beauty can create feelings of awe while elevating our mood. It offers a broader perspective on life that can enhance our emotional well-being. This connection to the natural world can also extend to each other and allows us to deepen our sense of belonging.

Refresh: Engaging with the outdoors isn't just good for the soul; it also sharpens our minds. Nature has been shown to improve cognitive functions like attention, creativity, and problem-solving, providing a mental refresh that helps us think more clearly and creatively.

Bringing Nature into Your Daily Routine

Incorporating nature into your daily life is a simple yet powerful act in enhancing your mental health. Some easy steps you can take on this path include:

·      A daily stroll in the nearest green space

·       Tending to plants at home

·       Sitting still, soaking in the scenes of the pond, trees, or stars above

·       Even watching a nature documentary will do

These small acts of connecting with nature can have a profound impact on your mental well-being. So, get out there and explore!

By: Niomi Cryer