Have you ever taken a walk through a park or a wooded trail after a long day, and felt a bit more relaxed and balanced afterward? Then you’ve experienced the healing benefits of nature!
When people spend time amongst nature, whether that’s a hike far from society or in a nearby green space, they can feel the effects of reconnecting with the earth. Research has found that taking time to be with and appreciate the natural beauty of our surroundings can ease stress, bring peace, and even improve self-esteem.
Part of the evolutionary reason for this is it’s necessary for all of us animals to seek out nature in order to survive, whether that’s running water to drink or leafy plants to eat.
Nature can even help us cope with pain — one study found that patients who had a view of nature outside their hospital window during a surgery coped with pain better and were sent home sooner than those who were just staring at a wall during their recovery.
It might also explain why so many people have adopted a few (or dozens!) of houseplants during the pandemic. Surrounding ourselves with plants can help soothe and bring peace during times of turmoil or uncertainty.
One study recommends 120 minutes per week, as the participants in that study reported better health when they were able to hit that two hour mark.
Giving nature at least two hours of our time per week is even more important as many of us conduct jobs that are centered around screens. We may not even be looking out our windows as much when we have many different screens surrounding us, from work to phones to televisions to tablets.
You may be worried that spending time in nature requires taking a long drive to a trail head or packing up the family to head to the coast. While those activities are certainly fun and deserve to be on everyone’s getaway list, they’re not necessary for connecting with nature on a weekly basis.
Make a list of neighborhood parks in your area. Even if you live in a city, what urban greenspaces are around that you can access either by foot or bike? You may be surprised at some of the hidden gems in your neighborhood that you’ve overlooked because they weren’t on your daily commute. Try visiting a different park or greenspace each week — you might even find a new favorite!
Schedule a break in the middle of your work day to get outside for a few minutes. Whether you’re walking around the block or sitting in your backyard, appreciate the nature you have access to. Are there hanging flower baskets nearby? A beautiful tree that has just started to unfurl its green leaves after the long winter months? Or a bird gathering sticks for a nest?
Commit to putting away your phone during these moments to help you notice some of the natural elements you might have missed.
Most importantly, pay attention to how you feel at the end of these nature excursions. Did your heart rate slow down? Were you able to let go of the stressors of the day? Being mindful of the benefits can help you commit to making more time for nature long-term.
Questions about health insurance? Contact a Sea Mountain Lief & Health Insurance Specialist today!
