Nature helps a person’s mental health in so many ways. It is so important to get outside in nature, whether you are having a good or a bad day. Nature does not single out a specific group of people. It is for everyone at any time.
There are many scientific experiments that prove this. For example, one study shows that being in nature improves the nervous system in five minutes or fewer. The results from nature occur quickly and in an overwhelmingly positive way. Some benefits are releasing stress, calming your mind and body, and improving overall health. The Journal of Global Health states, “92% demonstrated consistent improvements across any health outcome where individuals engaged with natural outdoor environments. Mental health outcomes improved across 98% of studies while physical and cognitive health outcomes showed improvement across 83% and 75% of studies respectively.” There were many studies, and nature improved individuals’ performance significantly. There are other things that it helps besides mental health, although that is the main one. Nature is so relaxing to anyone, and so many people would say that it refreshes them within minutes of going outside.
There are many different forms of nature as well. For instance, just sitting in the front or back yard while doing something productive, fun, or just relaxing is nice. Another option is something as simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood or go hiking at a pretty forest preserve. It doesn’t have to be anywhere far away or for a long time, just long enough to decrease anxiety and help your mental health.
You don’t have to be in a profession that focuses on mental health or nature. Although social workers, therapists, psychologists, and counselors are very aware of mental health and help others put it a priority in any way they can, it does not mean that they should be the only people learning about mental health, how we can improve it, and teach others about it.
Some teachers gave their thoughts about what nature means to them. Mr. Farrell stated, “Re-connecting us to nature returns us to a simpler self.” Nature clears our mind and makes our thoughts less complicated. We can simply be present in nature and connect with it. A math teacher added, “Nature is calming.” This is a simple statement, yet it is so true.
Soon after interacting with nature, many people feel a sense of calm.
Overall, nature is such a calming environment for everyone, regardless of who or where you are in life. Start now, and take some time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature, whether alone or with your loved ones. It will be deeply rewarding, and you will feel an improvement.
