In this article, Adi Thorson will inform readers on the benefits of nature.
As humans, connecting with nature is a natural instinct of ours. Being in nature has many benefits, such as reduced feelings of anxiety and depression, better mood, better sleep, better immune health, and higher life expectancy. Nature has a bigger effect on our lives than appears.
Being out in nature is beneficial to our mental health. Being in nature can reduce anxiety because it lowers cortisol, the stress hormone in the body, making us release endorphins, peptides produced in the brain that increase feelings of well-being. Being outdoors can also help with depression because we feel positive emotions when we are in nature. Mental Health Foundation says, “Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration.” Ecotherapy is another way that nature can help feelings of anxiety or depression through involving outside activities to increase mood, encourage better concentration, and achieve better focus.
Additionally, being in nature motivates us to be active, whether that be going on a hike, walk, run, or biking. The US Forest Service says there are “more opportunities to be active” when getting outdoors. Being outside encourages us to move our bodies, and the benefits of exercise are endless. Exercise helps our sleep patterns, which increases our immune health and reduces risk of disease. This, in turn, gives us a higher life expectancy. Exercise strengthens our bones and muscles, giving us the ability to do everyday activities more easily. It even increases mood and memory. Getting outside is a chance for us to connect with the community, which is also good for us socially.
Embracing the benefits that nature provides can improve our lives greatly. Getting outdoors helps with anxiety, depression, mood, sleep, immune health, and life expectancy. Nature plays an important role, and everyone could use a little of it in their life!