Calm and Sharpen Your Mind by Embracing the Power of Nature
Carving out time in our daily lives to immerse ourselves in nature can be hugely beneficial. It can improve our physical health by helping us to become more active. It can promote interactions with others, and allow us to indulge in some much-needed rest and relaxation within an increasingly chaotic world. But what does it do to our brains? Well, research has shown that being in nature can noticeably improve our cognition and our mental health outcomes.
Nature and the brain
A diversity of experiments have concluded that regular exposure to natural environments can encourage higher levels of cognitive control and function, including improvements in memory. What’s more, even small amounts of time spent enjoying nature can have a significant impact.
Nature and mental health
Similarly, research has revealed a solid link between experiencing nature and happiness:
A long-term study in Denmark found that children living in areas with more green spaces had a reduced risk of developing several psychiatric disorders later in life. These included mood disorders, depression, eating and substance use disorder, and even schizophrenia. For those experiencing the lowest levels of natural spaces in childhood, researchers concluded that there was a striking 55% increased risk of developing mental illness compared to the higher green space group.
A review of an assortment of related research on the topic by an assistant professor at the University of Washington linked time spent in nature with increased happiness levels, positive social interactions, a sense of purpose, and overall improved levels of well-being.
Alternate ways to enjoy nature
In an increasingly urbanized world, not all of us have easy or convenient access to green spaces. But that doesn’t mean we can’t all reap the brain-boosting benefits of nature. There are a variety of ways in which you can experience the natural world without having to go hiking in a remote wilderness. For example:
Go to the beach: again, not all of us can readily access the coastline, but if you can, there are increasing levels of research showing that blue spaces are incredibly good for our brain health.
Bring plants into your home: Not only do houseplants and flowers benefit our environment and air quality levels, but they’re also an accessible way of bringing nature to you. Some studies have revealed that even looking at images of plants had the ability to reduce the stress levels of those in hospital waiting rooms.
Watch a nature documentary: In a similar vein, viewing the natural world through your television could also help to promote feelings of calm.
Listen to nature: Whether it’s when you’re out in your local park, by the sea, or hearing the birds happily chirping away, taking in nature auditorily can lessen anxiety. And if all you can hear are the sounds of the city, try a meditation app or search for nature playlists online and take a well-deserved time out every now and then.