Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.
- Being in nature can improve creativity and problem-solving.
- Individuals with depression can benefit from being in nature.
- A nature walk can also help your physical health.
How to bring nature into your life
So what are some easy ways to bring nature into our lives? Here are some tips and tricks from the experts on how to engage with nature:
Plant a garden at home, or get involved in a local community group that protects and maintains a natural habitat in your local area. This will increase your physical activity and time spent outside, while also bettering the green spaces in your town.
Bring plants into your office and home. These will enhance the aesthetic appeal of where you work and live and improve air quality.
Exercise outside. You need to exercise anyway, so why not maximise the health benefits by doing so in nature?
Display images of nature at home and at work. These might be photos or artworks of places you’ve been to or places you’d like to visit in the future – like a bucket list of green places that will motivate you every day.
