In the hustle of modern day life, one of the best remedies for ongoing mental health and wellbeing is mother nature.
From the soothing sounds of the ocean, to the whispers of a blowing breeze, and the colour and smell of a vibrant forest canopy, nature has a profound impact on the senses, both mind and body.
At a time when many people seem to be constantly consumed digitally, attached to their electronic devices, and accustomed to staying indoors for way too many hours, its important to remember how important it is to enjoy the great outdoors and to weave the healing power of nature into your daily life in order to support your mental wellbeing and emotional balance.
Here we reveal seven profound benefits of connecting and spending time in nature regularly, and why you should definitely prioritise this as a practice in your life.
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Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Nature acts as a natural stress-reliever, offering a tranquil escape from the demands of daily life. In fact, studies show that spending time outdoors can actually lower stress hormone (cortisol) levels, promote relaxation and create a sense of calm and gratitude within the mind which are vital "states" for robust mental health and wellbeing;
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Improved Mood and Mental Clarity: Nature has profound mood-boosting effects because of the way it impacts your senses on many different levels. Whether it be exposure to the clear blue ocean, soft white sand, the dense green surrounds of a forest, or even the natural beauty of your local park, nature has an incredibly soothing effect on the body and mind that enhances mood and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Also, it helps to clear the mind which is extremely important for positive, productive decision making and problem-solving;
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Enhanced Creativity and Cognitive Function: Because nature is made up of so much colour, beauty and vast fascinating structure, time spent outdoors can actually stimulate creativity and elevated cognitive function because of the way your senses are activated. This can be very valuable if you're ready make positive changes in your life, or to start new projects that demand creativity, self-belief and innovation;
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Physical Health Benefits: Connecting with nature often is not just great for your mind and mental health, it is also vital for your physical wellbeing too! Breathing fresh air into your lungs is very beneficial for protecting and strengthening your cardio-respiratory system and supporting healthy immune function to help ward off illnesses and viruses. Simple activities such as hiking in the forest, walking on the sand or near the beach, strolling around your local park, or cycling around your neighbourhood are all fantastic ways to receive the physical health benefits of nature;
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Tune Into The World's Natural Beauty: A phenomenon known as Biophilia, is the idea that humans possess an innate desire to seek connections with nature and the great outdoors, as part of our primal instincts. Fostering this connection helps to elevate a sense of purpose, an appreciation for the environment, and a deeper understanding of our place on the earth and how we are linked and a part of her natural beauty;
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Social And Intimate Connections: Nature provides a wonderful backdrop for social interactions with friends, and even intimate partners, that can be soothing and profound. Whether it be a picnic in the park with a loved one, or a group hike on the trail with friends, discover how shared outdoor experiences in nature can contribute to building your valued social connections and a sense of community;
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Mindful Nature Practices: Mindfulness is the practice of being self aware and aware of your surroundings. Since connecting with nature usually involves minimal distractions, its the perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness through simple techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. These simple practices can help you to connect with your inner self and declutter your mind, which can positively impact how you feel about yourself and how you show in the world for yourself and your loved ones;
The Main Take Away
In a world that is full of distractions, unexpected events and day-to-day tasks, its important to look for ways that can help you maintain and protect your mental health and wellbeing.
As luck would have it, one of the most profound remedies for mental health is nature in all her beauty, because of the therapeutic effects it can have on all of the senses that stimulate the mind and body in positive ways.
From reducing stress and improving mood, to enhancing creativity and fostering social connections, the benefits of spending time outdoors are vast and scientifically well known.
The secret is to simply embrace nature by incorporating easy activities that allow you to consciously connect with her on a regular basis, like we have suggested here.
When you do this, you'll find you'll be able to manage stress and your emotions a lot more effectively - not to mention your mental clarity, focus, productivity, and the all round health benefits to your physical body as well!
Tolman Self Care.
