Benefits of Time in Nature

Just living is not enough…one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.

– Hans Christian Anderson

Nature is a physical marvel that includes animals, plants, people, landscapes, weather, and other worldly features. Exposure to nature is supposed to be good for you. Let’s examine the wonderous effects of spending time outdoors amongst fields of rich green grass, forests of mighty pines, gardens of fragrant flowers, or along quiet lakes or vast intertidal seashores. It is in these instances that we connect to nature and experience indescribable inner peace. These precious moments in green and blue spaces are worthwhile. Let’s learn why spending time in nature is considered crucial for mental and physical health.

Mental health

World Health Organization (WHO) describes mental health as a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. Of mental health, they share “It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. It is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.” Exposure to nature has a nurturing effect on mental health, helping people to stay connected and succeed.

Circumstances matter

To understand mental health is complex, and experiences vary from person to person. It is widely accepted that exposure to unfavorable social, economic, geopolitical, and environmental circumstances (e.g. poverty, inequality, unfairness, violence or repeated exposure to pollution) can increase risk of experiencing mental health conditions. It would make sense then that exposure to favorable environments (like time in nature) would have the opposite (positive) effect on mental and physical health.

Health benefits

A study shared by NIH entitled Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence states “There is extensive empirical literature on association between nature and health.”  They provide a narrative review to examine recent literature on exposure to nature and health, highlighting studies on children, and state, “We found evidence for associations between nature exposure and improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity and sleep.” However, they encourage future research to “investigate the underlying mechanisms of the association between green space and health,” citing limitations and gaps in studies of nature exposure and health.

Movement

Going outside encourages exercise, and movement is good for the body. Exercise also promotes weight management, so that’s another bonus. Therefore, outdoor activities are beneficial from a physical standpoint. Per a medically reviewed article shared by WebMD, there is a growing list of  health benefits connected to spending time outdoors:

• It helps you get Vitamin D.
• It lessens anxiety.
• It’s social.
• It improves your sleep.
• It helps you feel better about yourself.
• It improves your focus.
• It gives you better immunity.
• It boosts your creativity.

The wonders of the sunshine vitamin

WebMD describes the importance of Vitamin D for bones, blood cells, and the immune system. Vitamin D also helps bodies absorb minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Healthline shares that sunlight aids vitamin D production by hitting the cholesterol in the skin cells with ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, providing energy for vitamin D synthesis to occur.  This powerfully effective vitamin is important for people because it functions to keep bones, muscles and teeth strong and healthy.

Immense benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a significant role in heart health, fighting infection, and helping bones heal after injury. Getting out in sunlight can provide Vitamin D, but folks are encouraged to talk to their doctors about how much is right for them and whether supplements are also needed. Low levels of Vitamin D are linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and decreased immune responsiveness. Before spending time outdoors, educate yourself on ways to protect against skin cancer.

Potential better health outcomes

Per Healthline, spending time outdoors can reduce cortisol, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and improve parent-child relationships. In a 2019 study, participants who spent time in various outdoor environments three times a week for 10 minutes or more had significant drops in cortisol (a natural steroid hormone that helps regulate a body’s response to stress). Based on further research, sitting or walking outdoors significantly reduced both blood pressure and heart rate in individuals.

Better sleep

Per SSM Health Family Physician Dr. Roopa Shah, “Getting out into nature and getting sunlight can help really reset our circadian rhythms for the day which, in fact, can help our overall health, our immune function and also improve our sleep.” The SSM article describes that circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. “These natural processes respond primarily to light and dark and affect most living things…” Sleep is one of the big benefits reaped from better circadian rhythm.

Less stress

A connection exists between being in a natural environment and improved emotional well-being, as well as heightened creativity. Results of one scientific review share that being in nature provides a sense of meaning and purpose in life, decreases mental stress, increases positive social interactions and the ability to experience positive emotions. It is likely that boosts of dopamine and serotonin (known as “happy hormones”) come into play when exposed to nature.

Time in nature = more focus

WebMD emphasizes that as little as 5 minutes of outdoor activity can help improve self-esteem, especially if you’re near water or green space. But why? They explain, “And it’s not high intensity exercise that does it best. More relaxed activity like a walk, bike ride, or work in the garden seems to work even better.” Thus, even a little bit of time outdoors is beneficial.  Per one study, kids with ADHD were able to concentrate better on a task after a walk in the park than after a walk through an urban area.  Thus, there may be added benefits to spending time in green spaces.

Stronger social connections

Perhaps one of the strongest arguments for getting out in nature is the ability to unplug from life. For kids, it means setting aside electronics and video games to enjoy physical activities such as riding bikes, going to the park, playing ball, rolling down hills, digging in sand, splashing in puddles and all the fun and playful things curious kids enjoy.  For parents, it means silencing the noise of busy work schedules and tuning in to family time and bonding.

A happy escape

There are many benefits of time in nature. French Impressionist painter Claude Monet (1840-1926) is known for his famed works of art that contain lovely landscape scenery. His paintings showcase colorful flower gardens and his delightful lily pond at his French home. Valuing his passion for art and time outdoors, he expressed, “My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in a corner of nature.”

Reaping the benefits of time in nature

Monet clearly enjoyed his life at Giverny where he felt connected to art and nature. Like Monet, people can seek benefits from God’s creations. Whether you’re high atop a mountain enjoying panoramic views, resting on a rock overlooking a meandering stream, or are seated in the backyard watching squirrels collect acorns, taking a front row seat in nature likely promotes good vibes, positive stimulation, health boosts, and the restoration of mind, body and soul. In the words of American naturalist John Burroughs, “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” So, too, can you.

Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not medically reviewed. As always, consult your physician for professional advice.