As many constantly spend time in buildings (or their homes as remote work becomes a thing in certain industries) there’s a void that eventually creeps up, and even loneliness in some cases. It can in many cases be attributed to feeling disconnected to the world around us. But did you know that spending time outdoors is a powerful form of therapy? I didn’t either. Nature therapy (as called green therapy or eco therapy) taps into the calming power of the outdoors to promote physical and mental wellbeing.
Sound interesting? It is! Basically, it’s about surrounding yourself with the sounds, sights, and sensations of being outdoors and allowing them to calm us and sooth our thinking process. From lowering your anxiety levels and reducing stress to making you feeling good and even giving your creativity a boost, spending time outdoors can have incredible benefits.
There are well-document studies of how nature therapy can impact your mental health, as it can reduce the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Have you ever gone for a walk, and after found yourself calmer? Just the act of listening to birds chirping or the calming effect feeling the wind blow on your face can help silence negative thoughts.
Then there’s the benefits it has on your physical health. Spending time outdoors can help lower your blood pressure and increase your energy levels. Whether if it’s just walking in the park, going for a hike or just sitting near a lake and enjoying the Sun, the benefits of nature are plenty, all you have to do is step outside.
So, how can you start incorporating nature therapy into your routine? Let’s brainstorm!
Plain And Simple. Go For A Walk: Grab your walking shoes and head to your nearest park. Remember the goal here is to take the time to immerse yourself in nature, so leave behind the earbuds and your digital devices. Pay attention to the birds, the force of the winds, and do your best to be fully present.
Outdoor Yoga, Perhaps: Find a quiet space outdoors, and roll out your yoga mat for a quick meditation session. Even if it’s only 15-20 minutes. Let the sounds of nature complement your yoga session. Remember, yoga encourages flexibility, strength, and proper breathing.
Nature Journaling: Bring your gratitude journal with you when you head outside. Use this time to record your observations, your thoughts, and any reflections from the past week. You can write anything about your time outdoors, how it makes you feel. Or you can use this moment to write about something that’s holding you back and what you can do to move forward.
Bike Riding: If you don’t already have one, consider bike riding if it’s possible for you. It’s one of the best ways to decompress and explore your natural surroundings. Make sure you wear a helmet, but it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the freedom of movement, and since you’re riding around it’s the perfect distraction from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Remember the goal here is to lower your stress and anxiety levels when it comes to spending time outside. Nature therapy is a great habit to incorporate into your routine. If you can, try making it a daily thing. Maybe after lunch, you can help outside for a couple of minutes or to your nearest part. I promise you, your mind, and body will thank you.
References
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/research/nature-how-connecting-nature-benefits-our-mental-health#:~:text=Nature%20can%20generate%20many%20positive,particularly%20lower%20depression%20and%20anxiety.
https://yogamedicine.com/the-holistic-benefits-of-outdoor-yoga/
https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-nature
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