Benefits of Nature on Mental Health
Have you ever noticed your head feels clearer after being outside? This is because exposure to nature has a wide range of benefits on our mental health. Research shows that Americans have an average screen time of seven hours per day, and over 90% of their time is spent indoors. Studies have concluded that this escalation in digital usage is linked to negative impacts on mental health, including depression and anxiety. A simple solution to combating the adverse impacts of screen exposure and time spent inside is to step outside and surround oneself in nature.
Spending time in nature leads to decreased stress, improved attention, heightened mood, decreased risk of psychiatric disorders, and even an increase in empathy and cooperation. In fact, taking as little as 20 minutes a day to spend outdoors has the power to help reduce stress. Additionally, studies have found that those who spend time in natural environments have improved working memory, cognitive flexibility and attentional control, while those in more urban environments were found to actually have deficits in their attention. Still, urban parks and trees can lead to positive effects as well. Additional benefits of connecting with nature include imagination and creativity, children’s school performance, and impulse inhibition.
While the true reason for this is unclear, there are multiple theories of how nature is so beneficial. One idea behind this comes from a study of how “green spaces'' (like trees and other plants) and “blue spaces” (such as bodies of water) can influence cognitive functions. Research shows that people living in areas with more green space have better attentional functioning and self-control behaviors. Others hypothesize that stress is reduced due to a physiological response that is triggered when spending time in nature, and some believe we feel innately connected to nature due to the evolution of our ancestors relying on it for survival.
Along with cognitive benefits, nature has been found to be beneficial in an emotional and existential sense as well. Spending time in nature has been linked to increased happiness, positive affect, greater subjective well-being, decreased mental distress, positive social interactions and feelings of connectedness, and a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
There are plenty of ways to increase your exposure to nature, whether you live in an urban area, have limited time, or you just want to experience more of the benefits:
Going for a walk around your neighborhood
Open windows to increase natural light
Buy plants to keep inside or outside your home
Eat a meal outside
Go on hikes or have a picnic at your nearest park
Take a moment to step outside during a break at work
Plant and grow a garden
Drive with the windows down to take in fresh air
Plan a trip to the beach, lake, mountains, or a national park
Watch documentaries or look at pictures of biodiverse landscapes and other nature scenes
-Written by Kristen Aufiero, Clinical Counseling Intern