April 6, 2023—Is your brain constantly busy? Need to relax and reduce anxiety and stress? Or do you simply want to feel happier?
Getting in touch with nature could help. Luckily, it doesn't take much.
The science
Studies have shown that spending time outside around plants, trees, streams, lakes or oceans can help our mental well-being. Being exposed to natural environments can:
- Improve working memory.
- Encourage flexible thinking.
- Restore your ability to concentrate and pay attention.
- Improve your mood if you're feeling depressed.
- Reduce anxiety.
- Give you more positive emotions and moods on a regular basis.
- Reduce overall negativity.
Tap into the nature cure
The great news is that you don't need much time with nature to get happier. Even looking outside your window at green trees and plants can improve your mood.
Here are more ways to amp up your nature intake:
- Take a walk in the park or just down the street. You can benefit from spending time with natural elements, such as trees, whether you're hiking in the wilderness or appreciating a city tree.
- Roam with a purpose. Look up and down and all around for birds and animals on your trek. Identify different trees and plants. Bring a camera, a phone or a notebook to record your findings.
- Let nature speak to you. Ditch your headphones. Being in the moment is more relaxing than distracting yourself with piped-in music or podcasts.
- Go hiking, camping or picnicking. Getting outside doesn't have to cost a lot. Pack a lunch and put on your walking shoes. Plan a solo or family outing.
- Enjoy the natural light. Give your eyes a break from electronic screens. Instead, bring a book to read or a sketchbook to draw or paint in.
- Grow a garden. Spending time nurturing plants improves your well-being. (Here are some safety tips for outdoor gardening.) If you don’t have a lot of outdoor space, grow plants and flowers in pots. Or find a space in a community garden. Social interaction with other people is an added bonus.
- Bring nature indoors. Having plants in your home or raising herbs or vegetables in a pot on the windowsill can help you feel connected to nature. (Learn more about container gardening indoors or out.)
- Virtual nature rocks too. Not able to get around easily? Try listening to nature recordings or watching videos.
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