When is the last time you spent time in nature? Just enjoying the sunshine, scenery and smells. Even the thought of it reduces stress, lowers your heart rate and makes you feel calmer. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Research confirms this.

We are all bombarded with different stimuli during the day from our friends, families and jobs. It seems like there is a never ending to do list. Of course it’s never all done, and just letting that weigh on you can increase your stress.

Nature is free

The best thing about being in nature is it’s free, and it’s all over the place. Of course if you want to go to a national park or a private beach, you would probably need to pay an entrance fee. Most of us can be near some greenery or water in a very short period of time.

Bring it indoors

If you can’t get to nature easily, then why not bring it to you? You can have plants around your house; you can have a garden in your backyard, or in pots. Maybe you’d like a little fountain. Whatever, whenever, and wherever you are, you can have a bit of nature nearby. According to research from the University of Minnesota, even having a plant in a hospital room, school or office can help reduce stress.

Nature at work

What about at work? Is there is little garden, bench, or area to eat outside? Going outside for lunch helps you unwind, clear your head and relax. Not only is it a little get away from the grind, but also it can help you be more productive in the afternoon. It is kind of like dusting off the cobwebs.

Get out of your head

Being in nature gets us out of our heads. If you suffer from anxiety, you know your head isn’t necessarily a good place to be. Also when we are in nature we often times notice something that we have never seen or realized before. There is always something new and exciting. In addition, it makes us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves.

Mindfulness

If you have ever taken a vacation to the beach, forest or park and truly spent time outdoors, you know the effect it has. It is a perfect place to practice mindfulness. It involves taking in all 5 senses. What do you see, hear, smell, taste or touch in these surroundings. Even if you aren’t actually there, you can close your eyes and think of all the things you’d see, hear, smell, touch and taste. You can almost imagine that you are actually there. This is a mental health break you can take any time of day.

Solo or with someone else

Another great thing about being in nature is it is something we can do alone, or with someone else. We tend to feel connected to others when we are experiencing something different or awe inspiring with them.

Any time of day

The best part about this is that you can do it anytime of day. You can spend time in nature before work to have your head in the best place possible to start your day. You can do it at lunchtime or on break to clear your mind, or you can do it after work to help you transition from work life to home life.

Detriment of being indoors long term

Research also shows that people who spend less time outdoors have a greater prevalence of anxiety and depression according to Lederbogen. In addition, he also found that those living in the city had a greater prevalence of schizophrenia.

Garden

There is a reason many people find gardening to be relaxing and stress reducing. There is something about nurturing you garden and watching it grow. Because of you, there is something beautiful in your home or garden.

Walk

Going for a walk in nature can help you clear your head. Sometimes just getting out of the house and the change of scenery helps you reduce your stress. It helps to process things while you are walking. It’s also a great time to connect with someone else, or to have someone nearby to help you process something that is on your mind.

Practice gratitude

Being in nature is also a great place to practice gratitude. Really pay attention to whatever is before you and dwell on it’s beauty. This has been shown to help with depression.

Eating outdoors

All in all, being in nature is good for whatever ails you. Just think about it, even eating outdoors sounds so much nicer than indoors. That is as long as the weather is comfortable.

If stress, anxiety or depression is something you struggle with, therapy can help.

Give me a call at 713-304-6554.

Take care,

Debbie