How Nature Positively Impacts Mental Health:

As the weather continues to get warmer, now is a great time to talk about how nature generates many positive emotions. Some of the feelings that come up are calmness, joy, creativity and being outside can help with concentration as well. The more connected each person is with nature, the lower levels of both anxiety and depression present become present.

Many studies have shown that as long as a person feels safe in nature, it can lower both blood pressure & stress hormone levels. It also reduces the nervous system arousal and enhances immune system functioning.

Being in nature also increase self-esteem and improves mood. The mind body connection is very powerful in nature.

How to incorporate more time in nature into your routine:

-Plant a garden either small or large

-Play an outdoor sport

-Go for a walk every day

-Go on a bike ride

-Go Fishing

-Go for a hike

If making time to be in nature is difficult for you, start with 10-15 minutes each day. You can add meditation/ journaling to your self-care routine but instead of being inside, do these activities outside. The goal is to connect more with the world around you in order to help get you out of your head and more into your environment.

Next time you do something in nature, take note how you feel before and after. The more you see a positive difference the easier it becomes to add something new into your routine.