Nature Improves Your Mental Health

It’s no secret that spending time outdoors can make you feel good, but the reasons behind that feeling are more significant than you might think. We have all the information you need to understand the powerful and proven connection between nature and your mental health.

What are the key mental health benefits of spending time in nature?

Exposure to nature can significantly improve your mental health by reducing stress and mental clutter, lowering blood pressure and cortisol levels, and improving your mood, focus, and emotional regulation.

Ready to learn more about the science behind nature's healing power and discover simple ways to incorporate it into your daily life? Dive in to uncover how this natural connection can improve your long-term well-being.

Nature Improves Mental Health: A Natural Connection

Connecting with nature can nourish your spirit and make you feel whole. Our treatment center offers easy access to nature, helping our residents feel more peaceful.

Exposure to nature can do wonders for your mental health treatment journey.

Explore the benefits of being in nature and what it can do to improve your mental health during treatment and in the long term.

You Probably Don’t Get Enough Nature Exposure

According to the EPA, Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. There are plenty of reasons for this. You might spend less time outside because you are too busy either with work or school. Perhaps you are disconnected from nature or too connected to technology. This trend tends to get worse in the winter and has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to isolation.

Another issue you might is that nature is not always easily accessible. Public parks might not be within walking distance, and state or national parks might be too out of the way. The lack of green spaces and blue spaces has been detrimental to mental health. While it might be harder to fit outdoor time into your schedule, it is still worth trying. There are many easy ways to include nature in your life.

What Nature Does for Your Mental Health

Reduces Stress

Based on research that has been done so far, there is some evidence that exposure to nature can reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress chemical that is released when your body feels like it is in danger. Your body sometimes might release it when there is no danger present. Stress reduction has many benefits, such as lower blood pressure, better focus, and a better mood overall.

Provides Exposure to Fresh Air

Going outside allows you to breathe in the fresh air. Since trees and other plants absorb carbon, places with nature tend to have cleaner air. Adventuring into the wilderness can be great for your lung health and your brain.

Reduces Mental Clutter

Green spaces are peaceful. You might feel overwhelmed in the city or the suburbs, but around greenery, your brain might feel calmer. You can instead focus on the beauty of the plants around you. Less mental clutter can lower your stress and let you focus on what matters. Mindfulness is easier in nature because you can concentrate on the smells and sounds of the woods.

Improves Your Mood

A study found that nature exposure can reduce a depressive mood. The stress reduction element can also contribute to a better mood since high levels of stress can lead to anxiety and depression.

Allows for More Focus

Nature exposure has also been reported to increase attention span. Those in modern or urban environments might struggle to focus because of mental fatigue and stress. Some studies have found that nature exposure can even reduce symptoms of ADHD that make it harder to retain focus.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Hypertension can be a serious issue with severe consequences. Those who have high blood pressure often have an increased chance of having a stroke. There is evidence that nature exposure can lower your blood pressure. This is because walking in the woods can leave you feeling more relaxed.

Helps You Achieve Better Emotional Regulation

Having plants around or exposing yourself to nature can have a positive effect on your prefrontal cortex or the part of your brain that is in charge of emotional regulation. There have been studies that people had better control of their emotions after nature exposure.

Ways to Interact With Nature

Now that the weather is finally becoming warmer, it is easier to spend time outside. There are plenty of reasons to visit natural spots in your community. Take advantage of the warmer weather and spend time outside.

Go on a Nature Walk

If you live near any parks or forests, consider taking a walk in the woods or walking around the park. Consider going on a hike and notice everything growing around you. Walking in nature is a great way to practice mindfulness.

Listen to Nature Sounds

If you are not near a nature spot, consider listening to recordings of nature sounds such as forest noises or beach sounds. Listening to nature sounds could be a great addition to a meditation practice or something to listen to while you go to sleep.

Go Outside on Your Lunch Break

Your day might be too packed to enjoy nature on your off time. Consider enjoying nature during your lunch break at work. Thanks to warmer weather, you can sit outside and enjoy your lunch. Is there a park nearby your work?

Read Outside on a Nice Day

If you enjoy a good book, reading outside can be a great way to spend your leisure time. The sounds of nature can make a great background while you sit on the grass and enjoy a good novel. Consider making an outdoor space perfect for reading.

Buy Plants to Decorate Your Space

If you are not near nature, consider buying some easy to care for plants to brighten up your space. Indoor plants can be a great source of oxygen and can give you something to take care of.

Start a Garden

If you have the space, start a garden outside. There are plenty of easy vegetables that you can try to grow this season. Do not be afraid to get dirty. Starting with cucumbers, green beans, and tomatoes is the best option if you have never gardened before.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does nature help reduce stress?

Spending time in nature can reduce cortisol levels, a stress chemical released by the body. This can lead to lower blood pressure, better focus, and an improved mood.

• Why is fresh air important for mental health?

Areas with nature tend to have cleaner air because trees and plants absorb carbon. Breathing in this fresh air is great for your brain and overall lung health.

• Can exposure to nature improve focus?

Yes, nature exposure has been shown to increase attention span and may even reduce symptoms of ADHD, which makes it harder to retain focus.

• How does nature affect emotional regulation?

Having plants around or being exposed to nature can positively affect the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain in charge of emotional regulation, helping people gain better control of their emotions.

• What are some easy ways to interact with nature if I'm busy?

You can go outside on your lunch break, read a book in a park, listen to nature sounds, or decorate your space with indoor plants.

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At Chateau Health and Wellness Treatment Center, we believe in the healing power of nature as a vital component of your mental health journey. Our treatment center is designed with easy access to nature, ensuring our residents can benefit from the peaceful and restorative environment discussed in this article. We are here to walk alongside you, offering a supportive space where you can connect with the natural world and yourself. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to reach out and let our team help you find the peace and balance you deserve. Contact us today at (435) 222-5225 to start your path to wellness with us.

 

About The Author

Ben Pearson, LCSW, Clinical Director

Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director

With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.