Most Americans spend over 10 hours a day staring at a screen. So much screen time can harm both our mental and physical health. We live in an overstimulated society and often seek novelty. This can cause restlessness when we try to slow down-- even somewhere as healing as nature! Our culture reinforces busyness so it's not surprising that being in nature can produce such feelings when left without distractions. Moreover, man-made environments reinforce manmade behaviors.

But what if we put down the screen and went outside a bit more? Research shows that people who spend more time in nature feel happier and healthier.

Let’s take a look to nature to see how to get back to basics with our natural state.

What Are The Mental Benefits Of Being In Nature?

The Mental Health Foundation says nature is “vital in keeping us emotionally, psychologically, and physically healthy.”

Kathryn Schertz and Marc Berman assessed many studies and found they all reported one thing: the benefit of nature to the human brain.

One study showed that students who attend schools surrounded by green spaces have better cognitive development. Even adults living in areas surrounded with nature experience better attention and functioning.

Another study shows that those who spend time in nature are happier and feel they have more purpose in life. They feel less distress and have better social interactions with others.

Spending time in nature may help us with social interactions.

The Mental Health Foundation says it’s important for people to feel connected to nature. Those who feel more connected to nature tend to have a higher sense of worthiness and are happier.

Develop a better connection with nature by engaging in activities that use the senses. Smelling flowers, touching soil or bark, or listening to birds help people feel closer to nature.

What Are The Physical Benefits Of Being In Nature?

Nature isn’t just about mental health — it can improve your physical health, too.

We already know that nature can reduce feelings of stress, anger, and fear. The body responds well to these feelings being gone, leaving us healthier.

Spending time in nature can reduce the following:

● Blood pressure

● Muscle tension

● Heart rate

● Stress hormones

Some researchers say that spending time in nature may even increase longevity.

spend time in nature — Spending time in nature has shown to have many health benefits

Dealing With Pain

The University of Minnesota says spending time in nature can help us deal with pain. The beauty of nature distracts us from the pain, enabling us to feel better naturally.

One study observed a group of gallbladder surgery patients. Researchers had half of the patients look at trees while the other half had to look at a wall. Those with a view of the trees spent less time in the hospital, were better able to tolerate pain, and experienced fewer side effects.

Reduced Blood Pressure

A group of researchers overlooked 52 studies from Japan on the effects of nature on health. They observed that those that spent time in nature had a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The positive effects weren’t just seen in young, healthy individuals, either. Those with hypertension also experienced reduced blood pressure.

Nature for mental wellness — Have you tried forest bathing?

Increased Immunity

Jimenez et a. followed subjects who participated in “forest bathing.” The Japanese have been practicing this habit for many years. They believe that spending a few nights in the forest can improve immunity. It turns out that the age-old belief is true.

Researchers took blood and urine samples from the subjects during and after their trip. The results showed that the subjects had improved immunity up to 30 days after the trip.

Conclusion

According to Mathew White et al., people should spend at least two hours in nature every week to experience the most benefits. Spend that time doing something you enjoy; it doesn’t count if you’re forced to be there.

Whether you’re chronically ill or healthy, young or old, it doesn't matter. It doesn’t matter if you go outside for two consecutive hours or 20 minutes a day: just get those two hours in.

By spending more time in nature, you’ll begin to notice that you feel better physically and mentally. You’ll feel happier and calmer and may build better relationships with the people around you. Your body is likely to build better immunity, have lower blood pressure, and experience less pain.

Gardens at The Blissful Heart Wellness Center

Did you know that we have beautiful gardens at The Blissful Heart Wellness Center in Bend? We welcome you to visit our campus gardens to rest and rejuvenate your spirit and body!