Nature: Using the Power of Nature to Improve Physical and Mental Health

Author hiking with husband on anniversary

My husband and I recently celebrated our wedding anniversary. We wanted to include something active. We chose hiking. After locating a place near our city we hadn’t visited before, we booted up and explored. No packing clothes and rushing to an airport. No waiting in line. No charging expensive tickets that needed extra working hours to pay off. A simple and pleasant exploration of walking a trail with an occasional hello from another hiker. What I noticed about the other people we crossed paths with was friendly and smiling. Not only is exploring nature free, but it also improves our mental well-being. 

According to Mental Health America, spending time in nature increases mood. Children who have access to green spaces have a reduced risk of developing depression, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and mood disorders. Research also shows that green household plants improve memory and focus and reduce stress. Growing plants indoors can be a good family hobby while teaching care for our planet and responsibility (https://mhanational.org/surroundings/outdoors-nature#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20greatest%20benefits,emotional%20regulation%2C%20and%20social%20skills%20).

Don’t have extra money to spend on an expensive trip? Maybe you don’t have the extra days from work to travel. Want to enjoy life on a realistic budget? The lack of finances or resources can decrease your mood. Try something free that improves emotional well-being and has cognitive benefits! Often, financial stress interferes with relationships, especially when romantic trips or date nights can’t be afforded. Planning a date night in the backyard or on an apartment balcony is just as thoughtful and can be a healthy, stress-free ritual. 

small gardens yield great benefits

Benefits of Nature as a Hobby: Gardening

Gardening or pot gardening hobby can be inexpensive, relaxing, and give a return on your efforts. Gardening improves physical health such as balance and coordination, decreasing the risk of falls. It increases the chance of eating healthier since you grow your own fruits and vegetables. Gardening improves mood as most people feel accomplished through creativity and self-expression. 

How Nature Helps Improve Sleep

Author and husband playing disc golf at local park

Natural sunlight triggers serotonin and vitamin D, both of which help to improve mood, decreasing low levels, which can result in a depressed mood, anxiety, and attention problems. Sunlight also helps our circadian rhythm, our internal clock for sleep-wake cycles. Sunlight helps our bodies understand what activities to expect based on the sleep-wake cycle. Stanford Lifestyle Medicine suggests thirty minutes of sunlight can help set a healthy circadian rhythm. Early morning exposure to sunlight can help improve sleep. https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2023/08/17/more-sunlight-exposure-may-improve-sleep/

 If you are having trouble with sleep throughout the night, consider increasing your outdoor activity. Take a walk early in the morning or briefly during lunch. Even in cold weather, a walk in nature has been shown to boost brain activity, improve focus, and think more clearly (https://www.kvaroyarctic.com/blog/benefits-of-cold-weather). Just be sure to have the right clothes and stay hydrated. 

The Wealth of Nature

Nature is created for humankind. The

healthiest foods come from nature. Sunlight helps set the sleep-wake cycles. Green spaces improve our mental and physical health. Inexpensive and with many health benefits, nature is our source of riches. Go out and enjoy the wealth of nature.