Healing Benefits of Being in Nature
Intuitively, many of us are drawn to the outdoors and being in nature. We may not know or even need to know why, but we notice the side effects of laying on the earth, sitting under a tree, and walking in the woods. It’s common for people to report feeling more energized and happier after they’ve spent some time outside.
As the snow melts, days become longer, temperatures increase, the earth unthaws, it has been delightful to spend some time soaking up the sun, wandering in the woods, and even getting on some Zoom calls in my backyard. After spending winter cooped up in my St Paul apartment, the call to nature for me and many of us feels irresistible!
But why is this?! A growing body of scientific research is confirming what many folks have known all along—nature heals! I’ve spent the last year researching and writing a book on this topic, so here are some nuggets for the “left brain.”
Walks in Nature
According to Finland researchers, a 15 minute nature walk can help folks reduce stress, increase vitality, and improve creativity. The question on everyone’s mind: Is it just walking that’s healing or does nature make a difference? A walk has health benefits whether in a city or in the woods, but studies have shown time and time again that a walk in nature has greater benefits. A study in Japan showed that walking in the woods improved fatigue and increased vigor whereas a city walk did not offer these benefits.
I’m getting out in nature more now that it’s warmer. Saw this creature on a walk with my mom at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, Minnesota.
Patterns in Nature
One fun exercise is to look at the shapes and geometry found in nature. Patterns are ubiquitous in nature. Patterns on tree bark. Flower petals. Leaves. Branches. Shells. Nature is full of patterns that have a relaxing affect the body. One surprising study showed the relaxation benefits of just looking at photos of nature.
Nature Improves Creativity
Sometimes after brooding over a problem I go for a walk or I lay outside on a blanket. It’s not unusual for me to see a problem I’ve been trying to solve in a new light. I might have a new perspective. Or I might find an innovative way to navigate a situation. People are more creative after days spent in nature—up to a 50% boost in problem solving skills after being immersed in nature for several days according to studies from the University of Utah.
Porcupine Mountains, Michigan. Gorgeous! I brought some journals and did some writing for my book here fall 2020. It was lovely and I have a chapter dedicated to this place!
Nature Uplifts
Scents such as pine and cedar have been shown to not only smell lovely to humans, but stimulate a pleasant mood. Trees especially conifers such as evergreens produce natural chemicals, phytoncides that serve the tree in a variety of ways. These compounds bottled up and diffused in the air showed incredible mental health benefits. In one study, a citrus fragrance was more effective for lifting the mood for people with mental-health disorders.
Nature Inspires
I love going for a walk or on a backpacking expedition and observing the natural world. It is usually the most simple things in nature that touch my heart. The night sky. A flowing stream. A budding tree. Watching nature with a curious eye can evoke a sense of awe, wonder, and connection to something bigger than ourselves.
A view from the Superior Hiking Trail this past fall. This trail time and time again inspires me!
So that’s a highlight reel including some of my research findings on the healing power of nature. I made a poster summarizing the benefits for you to print out as a free gift when signing up for my email list!
The studies I discussed came from Dr. Qing Li’s book, Forest Bathing and Florence Williams’ book, Nature Fix. Both are great reads for those interested in learning more about the science of how nature heals. I hope this offers you little ways to anchor your experiences in nature and some encouragement to spend some time connecting to nature!