Many of us live in concrete jungles with very little green spaces around us. Technologies have made life convenient, and we no longer have to stay alert 24/7 for survival, watch over our shoulders for predators and hunt for food. But many of us are still driven by survival instincts even though they no longer serve us. For example, unhealthy workplace competition comes from an innate drive to compete for resources and social status while the aim should be to work more collaboratively.
Not only these instincts, but our evolutionary history has also shaped our minds and bodies to function optimally in natural environments. Our brains still respond positively to the natural world, providing us with a sense of calm and balance that is often lacking in modern society.
Let us explore the connection between nature and mental wellbeing.
Stress Reduction and well-being
Nature provides an easy avenue for reducing stress levels and improving our well-being. When we spend time in natural environments, our bodies respond by decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to reduced feelings of anxiety and stress. Exposure to natural environments can increase the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with feelings of pleasure and happiness. In this way, spending time in nature can promote both physical and psychological well-being, helping us to cultivate a sense of calm and relaxation, as well as a greater sense of purpose and meaning in our lives.
Improved Cognitive Function
We are constantly bombarded with information and distractions every minute of our day. The mental fatigue experienced by this generation meddles with our cognitive abilities. Exposure to nature can help with this.
Spending time in natural environments restores our ability to focus and concentrate, which is depleted by the constant distractions and demands of modern life. Exposure to natural environments has also been shown to improve working memory and cognitive flexibility, which are important skills for problem-solving and decision-making. Studies have also found that exposure to natural environments can enhance creativity, possibly by encouraging a more relaxed and playful approach to problem-solving.
Better Immunity
Improvements in physical health have a positive effect in our mental health. Research has shown that exposure to natural environments can increase the production of natural killer cells, which are essential for fighting off viruses and cancer. And it’s not just the fresh air and exercise that helps – exposure to certain microorganisms found in natural environments, such as soil bacteria and forest fungi, can actually help to strengthen our immune system. So next time you’re feeling a bit run down or under the weather, consider taking a walk in the park or a hike in the woods to give your immune system a little boost!
Increased Sense of Connection
Spending time in nature can also help to increase our sense of connection – to ourselves, to others, and to the world. When we are in natural environments, we are often reminded of our place in the world and our interconnectedness with all living things. This sense of connection can lead to feelings of empathy and compassion, as well as a greater sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. In addition, spending time in nature with others can foster a sense of community and social connection, which is essential for our mental health and well-being. You can experience this benefit by engaging in activities like group hikes, a picnic in the park, or a solo walk in the woods.
Better Sleep Cycle
Exposure to natural light and dark cycles can help to regulate our circadian rhythm, the internal clock that controls our sleep-wake cycle. Spending time outdoors during the day, especially in the morning, can help to signal to our bodies that it’s time to be awake and alert. In addition, exposure to natural light during the day can help to improve the quality and duration of our sleep at night. Conversely, spending time in natural darkness, especially in the evening, can help to signal to our bodies that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
In conclusion, our connection with nature goes far beyond its aesthetic appeal or its potential to provide us with fresh air and exercise. Spending time in natural environments can have profound benefits for our mental and physical health, ranging from stress reduction and increased happiness to improved cognitive function and better sleep cycles. By reconnecting with nature, we can tap into the innate wisdom of the natural world and restore a sense of balance and harmony to our lives.