If you’re like us, you know that spending time in nature makes you feel good. It might boost your mood, calm you down, or make you feel connected (or all of the above!). In fact, scientific studies reveal that spending time in nature has many mental health benefits. Nature has been shown to:
Improve sleep
Reduce stress and anxiety
Help treat depression
Reduce negative emotions
Enhance brain function in children
Improve blood pressure
Promote positive social interactions
Increase happiness
Generate a sense of meaning to life
More:
“Green spaces near schools promote cognitive development in children and green views near children’s homes promote self-control behaviors.” (“Nurtured by Nature: Psychological research is advancing our understanding of how time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition,” American Psychological Association)
“Multi-sensory elements such as bird or frog sounds or wildflower smells have well-documented beneficial effects on mental restoration, calm and creativity.” (“Biodiversity and our brains: how ecology and mental health go together in our cities,” The Conversation)
“…the past few years have seen an explosion of research finding concrete links between increased exposure to nature and not just improved physical health, but better mental health, too.” (“Green spaces aren’t just for nature – they boost our mental health too,” New Scientist)
“…accessible natural areas may be vital for mental health in our rapidly urbanizing world…” (“Stanford researchers find mental health prescription: Nature,” Stanford News)
