BENEFITS OF NATURE TO OUR MENTAL HEALTH
Introduction
Nature is a fundamental necessity for many individuals, playing a vital role in maintaining emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Our connection with nature—how observant, reflective, and appreciative we are of our natural environment—is crucial in promoting good mental health and averting distress.
The concept of nature encompasses various elements, spanning green spaces like parks, woodlands, and forests, as well as blue spaces such as rivers, wetlands, beaches, or canals. It extends to include trees along urban streets, private gardens, roadside vegetation, and even indoor plants or window boxes. Remarkably, even watching nature documentaries contributes positively to our mental health. This realization is significant, as it implies that the mental health benefits of nature are accessible to nearly everyone, regardless of their location.
This report offers a condensed overview of the evidence demonstrating the importance and advantages of our connection with nature for mental health. It underscores the unequal access to nature's benefits experienced by certain groups and outlines the necessary measures to rectify this inequality.
Nature has played a critical role in our mental health during the pandemic
Based on our research at the Mental Health Foundation, we've discovered that spending time outdoors has been a significant factor in helping people cope with the stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic period, almost half (45%) of individuals in the UK reported that visiting green spaces, such as parks, assisted them in managing stress.
Our findings align with other studies indicating that engaging with and appreciating nature, particularly, played a vital role in supporting individuals' well-being. This underscores the crucial point that forging a connection with nature unlocks mental health advantages, providing valuable insights into how to optimize these benefits for our overall well-being.
Six Health and Nature Research Highlights
1. There are numerous ways in which nature can enhance our well-being, such as by improving air quality, promoting physical activity, fostering social bonds, and reducing stress. For further insights, explore Nature and Health research conducted by Howard Frumkin, Terry Hartig, Richard Mitchell, and Sjerp De Vries.
2. Just spending 20 to 30 minutes daily in natural surroundings can notably decrease stress levels, resulting in a nearly twofold reduction in cortisol (known as "the stress hormone") compared to those who don't spend time in nature. To delve deeper, refer to research conducted by MaryCarol Hunter on Urban Nature Experiences and their effects on lowering cortisol levels.
3. Exposure to nature may also lower the risk of heart disease by alleviating stress levels. For additional information, consult research conducted by Ahmed Tawakol and colleagues, exploring the correlation between signs of stress in the brain and future heart issues.
4. Engaging with nature, as opposed to urban environments, is associated with significant reductions in anxiety and enhancements in mental well-being. Refer to research conducted by Gregory Bratman, Gretchen C. Daily, Benjamin J. Levy, and James J. Gross for a comprehensive understanding of the Benefits of Nature Experience on affect and cognition.
5. Utilizing outdoor activities and time spent in nature can aid in the treatment of posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI) symptoms and physical health issues among returning war veterans. Delve into the research by COL Jeffrey Yarvis for a deeper understanding of novel treatments and the therapeutic effects of exposure to outdoor activities.
6. The conservation of nature within urban settings offers tangible benefits, including the purification of water and air, directly influencing human health and well-being. To learn more, explore research by Lynn Scarlett on the Green, Clean, and Dollar Smart initiatives.
Conclusion
The main idea conveyed by this research is that instead of encouraging individuals to visit distant natural areas, we should emphasize the importance of engaging with nearby everyday nature through straightforward activities. By paying attention to nature, we can foster a beneficial connection that positively impacts mental health.
