Time Spent in Nature Reduces Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Fresh air and time spent in nature is a fun way to spend a day, and now according to a study published by Harvard Health, is proven to improve mental health. Called ecotherapy, a strong connection can be seen between time spent in nature and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. Just being outside and in nature appears to boost mental health and overall wellness.
“Having something pleasant to focus on like trees and greenery helps distract your mind from negative thinking, so your thoughts become less filled with worry,” the study says. Continuing, “it appears that interacting with natural spaces offers other therapeutic benefits. For instance, calming nature sounds and even outdoor silence can lower blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which calms the body’s fight-or-flight response.”
The report states that the amount of time spent outdoors doesn’t matter as much as finding a way to incorporate it into your regular routine. As explained by the report, “anything from 20 to 30 minutes, three days a week, to regular three-day weekends in the woods is helpful.” Even just listening to recorded sounds of nature is said to have a calming effect.
Walking or biking to work, eating lunch outside, picking up camping or just finding nature sounds on a streaming service can all be simple ways to give your brain a boost. A quick five minute change to your routine could be a welcome refresh and a proactive way to maintain your health.
