Nature is my therapy. Simply going for a hike when I’m having a rough day solves all of my immediate problems. While some complain about getting dirty or the temperature outside, if they actually allowed themselves to enjoy the natural world around them, they will experience some health benefits of their own!
Nature promotes better mental health in various ways. Even short walks in green spaces can lead to improvements in mood and cognitive function. The sights and sounds of nature are calming scenery that helps to reduce the overstimulation often experienced in urban environments. A phenomenon, known as biophilia, explains that humans have an innate connection to nature, drawing them into it. So, if we fight this biological urge for the forests, it will affect our mental health greatly. Similarly to how being around emotional support animals such as dogs can have an impact on health, nature is vital to people’s psychological well being.
To start, being outside encourages physical activity, which is closely linked to mental health. Activities like hiking, gardening, or simply walking in a park, not only improve physical fitness but also release endorphins in your brain, which chemically enhances your mood. Additionally, natural light is often more accessible in outdoor settings and is known to influence serotonin levels, helping to fight against seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mood-related issues.
Studies have also shown that spending time in natural environments can significantly alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. In one experiment a group of people were asked to walk in a forest environment while another walked in an urban city landscape. When reviewing brain scans of the participants after their walks, scientists found that people who took their walk in nature had reduced activity in their subgenual prefrontal cortex. Activity in this region of the brain is often linked with anxiety and depression, proving that being in nature had a positive impact for these people!
The therapeutic use of nature, known as ecotherapy, has become a more formal approach in mental health treatment. Incorporating nature into therapy sessions, or encouraging clients to engage with the outdoors, has shown promising results in emotional well being. In the end, it is clear that nature is not just a place for activity but an essential component to our mental health. So next time you are feeling a bit grumpy, take a hike!
