| Let's take five minutes to see this week in a new light. | | Have you ever noticed how much better you feel after taking a walk around the block, hitting a hiking trail, or simply sitting on your patio enjoying the warmth of the sun? You're not imagining the happiness boost.
Science tells us that spending consistent, mindful time in nature—also known as nature therapy—has numerous health benefits, including a reduction in stress levels, a boost in mood, better sleep, and improved focus. | | | Nature-based activities may boost individuals' mood states and alleviate their anxiety; however, it is important to consistently engage in nature-based activities to experience such an improvement." | | We touched on this above, but hard facts are always compelling. A 2019 study concluded that contact with nature is associated with numerous mental health benefits, including an increase in happiness, a sense of well-being, positive social interactions, and a feeling of meaningfulness in life.
An additional study found that spending time in natural environments positively impacted our brains, too. The study concluded it can help with cognitive function, memory, flexibility, and attention-control tasks. | Getting outdoors can be as simple as visiting a park, taking a quick walk, or toting a good book or journal to a quiet and calming outdoor space. If you're seeking some additional creative ways to spend more time in nature, consider these options:
- Explore Local Gardens: There's a good chance you're located next to a handful of beautiful gardens. Head to a favorite place or explore somewhere new.
- Try Forest Bathing: Simply immerse yourself in a wooded area and zero in on each of your senses. What do you see, hear, smell, and feel?
- Tend to Your Lawn: Spending time tending to our lawns and gardens can be surprisingly therapeutic. Not only do you get some alone time, sunlight, and fresh air, but it's very rewarding work.
- Play an Outdoor Sport: Now that temperatures are warmer, seek out community sports and events that occur outside. This can range from casual Frisbee or kickball teams to more competitive leagues.
- Hit the Water: There are countless water activities you can enjoy solo or with others. Kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, and swimming are just a few examples.
- Find an Outdoor Yoga Venue: Many yoga studios offer outdoor pop-up sessions once the weather turns warm. This is a good way to get outside and switch up your yoga practice (or start a new one).
| | Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body | | | Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body | This week, dedicate one to two hours of your time to being outside. If you're not sure where to start, choose one of the activities listed above. After your time with nature, jot down some quick notes about how you felt before, during, and after your experience. | -
Surrounding yourself with nature indoors can have mental health benefits, too. Check out a local nursery and bring home a few houseplants. You can also check out offerings on Etsy, where you may find rarer options. | | | |
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