Everyone talks about mental well-being today. Talking does not make it easier, and anxiety and apathy are breaking records. And here, the help of nature is needed.
Life moves fast, competition is fierce, and stress is at every turn. And on top of all this, there is ever-increasing digitisation. Our everyday life is more saturated than ever and puts more and more pressure on us, whether it be work, study, or any other business. In the daily routine, it is increasingly difficult to find time for things and activities that are truly enjoyable and peaceful.
Of course, it is not always possible to spend a lot of time in the open air. After all, almost everyone has a job that requires being at the workplace on the computer. On the other hand, we all eat. As an idea, this can be done outside. Just imagine! Outdoor dining is a great opportunity to spend time with your family outdoors and take a break from the routine. Purchase outdoor dining furniture for your yard or office and enjoy every meal. After all, beautiful furniture and dishes are very important. Our brain reads a lot of information visually. This means that beautiful outdoor furniture will increase pleasure hormones and improve mental health.
Being in a natural environment helps lower blood pressure, lower the heart rate, reduce muscle tension, and strengthen the immune system. This is characteristic of any human body, regardless of age, health status, and cultural characteristics.
Our brains and bodies are naturally wired to respond positively to nature. This is a common feature for all people. It is programmed in our genes that we feel more calm and happy when we are surrounded by trees, water, plants, and other natural objects. Only recently have humans begun to pay attention to the fact that the “stone jungle” of most large cities has an extremely negative effect on them. Fortunately, some large cities are beginning to think not only about physical health but also about the mental health of their residents. To do this, they green the city and fill it with a natural environment.
Stress is a common factor in many mental disorders. Spending time outdoors has a beneficial effect on reducing stress in the body. The visual perception of greenery and nature soothes the mind and body, which ultimately brings peace of mind into balance. From a physiological point of view, this is explained by a decrease in cortisol levels.
Another way that time spent outside can benefit mental health is by improving mood. Being outdoors in the sunshine can boost levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, and vitamin D, which has been linked to reduced symptoms of depression. In fact, studies have shown that spending just twenty minutes outside each day can have a significant impact on mood and overall well-being.
Either way, mental health is inextricably linked to physical health. That is why, the best combination would be to do physical exercises in the open air. First, it will give you more pleasure. Plus, it will reduce the risk of mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Spending time in nature can also improve sleep quality, which has a significant impact on mental health and overall well-being.
Despite the many benefits, there are significant barriers that prevent people from spending time in nature. These include high workloads, temptation in the form of gadgets, and social networks. However, there are a number of simple steps you can take to spend more time outdoors in your daily life.
One easy way to increase your time outdoors is to make it a habit. Try to walk part of the way to work. Start with small distances and gradually improve the results. Listen to educational podcasts or music along the way, or better yet, take a friend with you and spend useful time together.
After work, a great activity is cycling in the park or walking the dog. If you have children, go for walks with them more often. You will also be able to communicate with the child and learn more about his life.
The benefits of spending time in nature include stress reduction, improved mood, and improved cognitive function, among others. While barriers such as busy schedules and limited access to the environment can make it difficult to prioritise outdoor time, there are a number of simple steps people can take to incorporate more time in nature into their plans.
Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
