Engaging in nature is perhaps the easiest yet one of the most impactful self-care activities we do. That may be difficult for some of us to believe. I struggled with the beauty of nature this past weekend as I spent the better part of two days blowing and mulching leaves. The leaves seemed to have had a mind of their own and defiantly refused to cooperate regardless of how much willpower I exerted or what words I muttered. Eventually, I surrendered and reminded myself to be present and to enjoy the experience.
Connecting with nature brings an abundance of benefits. Research is clear about the emotional and physiologicaladvantages of being outside in nature. Scientists in Germany and China found that older adults who have sleep issues improve their sleep patterns after doing nature walks. Researchers in Japan discovered that children who spend more time in nature learn better than those with less nature exposure. Children who spend time in nature show improved intellectual attention which helps them to remain focused upon learning material. Also, people who spend time in nature tend to struggle less with emotional dysregulation which leads to less anxiety and improved decision-making ability. More benefits from nature exposure include reduced possibility of developing dementia, improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure and reduced cortisol production (Current Directions in PsychologicalScience; Vol. 28, No. 5, 2019).
There are numerous psychological benefits of being in nature. Nature connection has shown to reduce depression and anxiety.Contact with nature increases happiness, a sense of well-being, positive emotionality, positive social interactions, a sense of purpose in life, and decreases in mental distress (Science Advances, Vol. 5, No, 7, 2019) Interestingly, people who become engaged in nature become more altruistic.
What is the mechanism or how does being in nature have such a positive impact. As stated in a previous article certain plants andtrees emit a certain chemical that acts as anti-insecticide for the plant and tree but acts like an anti-depressant for people. Another important factor is the aspect of experiencing Awe. In his book “Awe” Dacher Keltner describes the experience of aweas transformational. Feeling connected to something bigger than us, touching the mystery of life, and brushing against the unexplainable has been found to contribute to enhanced health.Nature offers many awe-inspiring opportunities such as a sunset, full moon, the sounds of nature to name just a few.
When I was a young man, I made fun of people who called themselves tree huggers. Later in life I discovered that tree huggers have much to teach. It is therapeutic to hug a tree. It is healing to sit next to a river and listen to the sound of the water tumbling down the falls and swirling its way on its intended course. It brings joy to watch the deer dance as the sun lowers and the moon rises as they team tag in the gift of nature. How can we experience the numerous benefits of being in nature. Start by just taking a couple of minutes to go outside and just look and listen and feel and smell the wonder of this beautiful creation. Don’t analyze it. Don’t judge it. Don’t put words to it. Just be with it.
