Benefits of Spending Time in Nature for Your Mental Health

Nature has a way of calming our minds and soothing our souls. It is a place where we can go to escape the hustle and bustle of life, even if it’s just for a few hours. Nature does so much more than help us unwind from stress – research shows that spending time in nature may benefit mental health! Several studies found that when people get out in nature, they will be more likely to improve their mental health. This blog post will explore how being outdoors might be good for your mental health.
Relieves Stress
Nature has a unique way of helping us relieve stress. Nature’s sights, smells, and sounds can help take our minds off our busy lives and the problems we face. In one study, researchers found that spending time in nature was associated with lower cortisol levels (a hormone that is released when we experience stress). When cortisol levels are lowered, it can lead to a decreased experience of stress.
In another study, researchers found that individuals who spent time in nature showed decreases in negative emotions (e.g., anger, anxiety, sadness) and increases in positive emotions (e.g., happiness, joy). It suggests that nature may be able to help us regulate our feelings. We don’t need to take a vacation out of the city or hike miles away from civilization to get these benefits, though! You can enjoy your garden or go to a city park.
Provides a Sense of Peace and Calm
When we are out in nature, it feels like all of our worries and concerns fade away. It’s a place where we can find solace and peace. In one study, researchers found that nature has a unique ability to calm the mind and reduce rumination (a thinking style often associated with negative thoughts and increased anxiety and depression). Researchers also found that just a short amount of time in nature was enough to help promote feelings of awe, leading us to feel more satisfied with life and have higher self-esteem.
Helps Regulate Sleep Cycles
Spending time in nature has been found to help regulate sleep cycles. Researchers had participants take a 90-minute walk through either an urban environment or a natural environment in one study. The participants who walked through the natural environment experienced decreases in cortisol levels and increases in melatonin (a hormone that helps us fall asleep). It suggests that being out in nature may help us wind down at night.
These are only a few of the benefits of spending time in nature on our mental health! Nature can increase both positive and negative emotions, but many studies suggest that these effects balance out in the long run (which means you’ll come out feeling happier than when you left).…