Nature on Mental Health- Guest Writer
We all know everyone's favorite piece of advice-"Go get some fresh air." While many tend to roll their eyes and continue to go along with the rest of their lives, there is truth to this common phrase. In the technologically driven society of today, many have neglected exploring the great outdoors. Leisurely hikes along the local trails have quickly transformed into back-to-back episodes of the recent trending show on Netflix. To our detriment, the lack of exposure to nature means that we are missing out on its many mental and emotional health benefits.
In fact, many studies prove that spending time in nature can help improve one's mood, reduce feelings of stress or anxiety, and encourage people to be more active. Lisa Nisbet, a psychologist at Trent University, says that "There is mounting evidence, from dozens and dozens of researchers, that nature has benefits for both physical and psychological human wellbeing."
Cognitively, being exposed to green spaces-areas filled with plants, grass, and trees-can help promote self-control behavior in children and improve adult's ability to pay attention. Additionally, some studies suggest that nature can help to energize a tired brain, improving cognitive functions. Being exposed to nature provides an outlet for our brains to wind down, allowing us to fully relax. It is this relaxed state of mind let's our brains take a break which helps us think sharper and faster when we need to.
However, Cynthia Frantz, a professor of psychology and environmental studies at Oberlin College, says that "Spending time in nature has cognitive benefits, but it also has emotional and existential benefits that go beyond just being able to solve arithmetic problems more quickly." Multiple studies have shown that being exposed to nature increases levels of happiness and prevents the development of psychiatric disorders. Being in nature allows people to develop a stronger sense of compassion both towards others as well as the environment as it instills a deeper sense of emotional awareness in people. Some studies even suggest that being in nature makes people nicer, allowing them to more easily form emotional bonds with others which improves people's socioemotional health as well. Additionally, people may feel more inclined to help preserve and protect the environment due to their emotional ties to nature.
Other studies have shown that even looking at images of nature or hearing sounds reminiscent of being in nature can reduce feelings of stress, improve cognitive functions and ability to focus, as well as promote overall levels of happiness. Being in nature allows people to take a mental break as they become more focused on the greenery rather than their other stresses and worries. Here, it is clear to see how important nature truly is on the human psyche as simple exposure, physically or virtually, has the potential to provide many benefits.
Although the benefits of being in nature are evident, dedicating a significant amount of time each day to be outside is just not realistic. Dr. Jason Strauss, a director of geriatric psychiatry, suggests that 20-30 minutes of outside time 3 days a week should help to reap the benefits of being in nature. However, he stresses that, "The point is to make your interactions a part of your normal lifestyle."
With all said and done, remember to go out and take a deep breath in of some much needed fresh air.
Written by guest blogger Lesley Kim.
Work Cited:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature