Have you ever taken a short walk in the woods and felt refreshed and peaceful? Many people report this experience, and it makes sense from an evolutionary viewpoint. Our brains are designed to look for plants because they often mean water, shelter, food and abundance. When we don’t see these things, we may feel a strong urge to find them.
When we are around plants, we usually feel more relaxed, allowing us to think about life and deal with any big problems we may have.
What Are the Benefits of Nature?
Spending time in nature improves mental health. It can lift your mood, lower stress and help you deal with feelings like grief and anger. Being outdoors also allows you to connect with other people and get some exercise. You might plan a hike with friends or join a local park run.
Naturally, exercise and social connection bring about their own benefits.
What Are the Benefits for Your Mental Health?
Spending time in nature can be helpful for your mental health. If you have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), getting more natural light during the short winter days can make a difference. Try to make it a habit to go outside every day. This may help reduce some of the challenges you face.
How Nature Can Help When You Are Going Through Hard Times
Certain life events can present significant challenges. If you’re finding it hard to cope with grief and other forms of emotional pain, being confined indoors can make it even tougher.
At times, a specific event could impact an entire family, leading to stress for all members. Nature can also provide relief in such scenarios. If you’re experiencing a divorce and want to maintain close connections with your children during this time, consider organising visits to a nearby park or natural area. Spending time outdoors and engaging in activities with them can help reinforce family bonds and offer a welcome distraction from home-based worries.
While a family law solicitor may help alleviate some legal stress, the emotional fallout from a separation will still exist – however, time spent in nature can offer considerable advantages for those facing this situation.
Conclusion:
Your brain functions optimally when it’s surrounded by nature. Therefore, it’s beneficial to spend time outdoors and ideally every day. For those who cannot do this, having a few carefully chosen houseplants can also make a significant difference for the same reason.
