The Healing Power of Nature: 7 Ways to Spend More Time Outside
By Raegan Parker, MSW Intern
Feeling burnt out, stressed, or just tired in general? You’re not alone. Our world is so fast paced, and we are constantly being overloaded with information and distractions. This leaves very little time for self-care and relaxation. Sometimes our form of “self-care” is scrolling through social media, which can have a negative impact. Want to know a simple way to boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being? Nature. We all know getting outside is good for us, but being in nature has been shown to have numerous physical and mental health benefits. Let’s explore 7 ways to spend more time in nature!
1. Take a Hike
Hiking is a great way to get in nature while also moving your body. Whether you want a relaxing stroll or want a challenge, hiking is a great way to explore. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve your mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. You don’t have to be in the mountains to hike. Most areas have parks or trails that are easily accessible to the public. Hiking can also be a great social activity. It provides the opportunity to connect with others. Social interactions and shared experiences during a hike can contribute to a sense of community and support, which are important for mental health. Completing a hike can also create a sense of accomplishment, especially a hike that involves challenges like elevation gain. This sense of achievement can boost self-esteem and help you see the strength in yourself.
2. Go Camping
For those who want a more immersive experience, camping might be for you. There are various ways to do this; there is no right or wrong. You can pitch a tent in the woods or set up an RV in a national park. If you don’t want to sleep in a tent or RV, you can “glamp.” I get it. You might not want to be totally exposed to the elements, and mosquitoes can ruin a whole experience. Glamping allows you to stay connected with nature, while also having facilities and be in a little home rather than a tent. Camping is a great way to disconnect from the hustle of our everyday life and reconnect with nature. There are added benefits of getting fresh air, sunlight, and natural scenery, that result in better sleep and feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated.
3. Forest Bathing
If you’re searching for a more meditative way to enjoy nature, consider forest bathing. This practice originated in Japan, and it involves immersing yourself in a forest environment and using your senses to connect with nature. This may be listening to the birds singing or smelling the flowers or trees. It’s not about physical exercise but rather about experiencing the natural environment through all your senses. Forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. It’s important to note that forest bathing is not a rigorous activity and there are not specific set of rules. The focus is to immerse yourself in nature while being mindful and experiencing the therapeutic benefits that result from that connection to nature.
4. Go for a Swim
Do you live near a lake, river, or ocean? Take advantage of it and go swimming. These natural bodies of water are not only refreshing and fun, but it’s great for your health. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can improve your cardiovascular health, build muscle, and reduce stress. Plus, just being surrounded by water and natural scenery can help you feel more relaxed and at ease. Engaging in rhythmic movements in the water can have a calming effect on the mind. The buoyancy of water reduces the impact of gravity on the body, creating a soothing and weightless sensation that can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Like any form of exercise, swimming releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones. This helps improve mood and reduce feelings of stress or depression.
5. Have a Picnic
Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. Packing a picnic lunch and heading to a local park or nature reserve is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without too much effort. Plus, eating outside has been shown to boost mood and improve cognitive function. If you don’t have a park/nature reserve, you can do this in your backyard. You can also include your partner, kids, and friends in your picnic.
6. Practice Yoga Outside
If you enjoy yoga, move your practice outside! Practicing yoga in nature can enhance the mind-body connection and deepen your sense of peace and well-being. Nature itself can serve as a prop during outdoor yoga. The uneven terrain, rocks, and tree branches can add an element of challenge, helping to improve your balance, strength, and flexibility. The fresh air and natural scenery can help you feel more grounded and centered not only in your yoga practice, but in general as well.
7. Go on a Nature Walk
Lastly, taking a nature walk is a simple yet effective way to spend time outdoors. You can walk through a local park or explore a nearby trail. Taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature can help you feel more relaxed and connected. Walking is a low-impact exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and boost your mood. Going on a nature walk also allows you to take time away from screens. If you don’t like walking without something to listen to, you can always play music or even listen to an audiobook. These simple walks offer a break from screen time and the constant stimuli of the digital world. Disconnecting from screens allows for a mental reset and reduces the impact of information overload.
Embracing the outdoors isn’t just getting a breath of fresh air; it can be a rejuvenating experience. Some might believe that you must do a huge hike up the side of a mountain, but enjoying nature can be as simple as sitting outside. Whether you love being outdoors or hate the bugs and dirt, we are all connected to nature. Recognizing and nurturing this connection is not only beneficial for our individual well-being but also crucial for fostering a relationship with nature that supports us physically and mentally.
