Mental Health Prescription: Time Spent in Nature

 

Did you know that doctors are now prescribing more time in nature?

 

Nature is recognized as one of the most effective ways to feel better, physically and mentally.

 

Modern life may offer us plenty of comforts, but it has also taken away our ability to feel grounded, ruminate, and breathe deeply. Most of us are riddled with stress and anxiety, trying to cope with depression, always staring at a screen, and trying to juggle life.

 

No doubt most of us feel lost and unhappy. We’ve lost the connection with ourselves and our natural surroundings.

 

This is why it is crucial to take a step away from the chaos of urban cities and unwind in natural spaces.  

 

Exposure to nature is linked to better mental health, improved attention, lowered stress, and better empathy.

The Benefits of Being in Nature

Spending time in nature can provide us with good mental health and much-needed stress relief. Here’s all that you get when you hang out in nature:

1. You’re calmer and more grounded

2. Your endorphin levels and dopamine production boosts (so you’re happier)

3. Your concentration and focus get better

4. You’ll notice reduced anxiety, depression, and stress

5. You’ll be less irritable

6. You’ll feel that sense of belonging

 

How to Spend More Time in Nature

A few easy ways to connect with nature are:

Forest Bathing

The concept of forest bathing or Shirin-yoku first emerged in Japan in the 1980s. It’s the mindful practice of being in nature and noticing the sounds, sights, and smells around you.

 

Explore Local Parks

Parks are one of the best (and easiest) ways to take out time for nature in urban cities. Spend your lunchtime or afternoons at a park near you and notice the trees and the leaves, how they rustle in the wind, how the flowerbeds swivel, and how the grass feels under your bare feet.

 

Spend Time Around Water

Water-based environments can relax us deeply. If you live near a river or a coast, go explore the area and take a walk.

Install Calming Landscape Photography 

It’s not always possible to take time off and wander off in nature, but you can always surround yourself with nature. Install nature and landscape photography in your home and workplace today to surround yourself with scenic nature views.

 

Healing with Imagery is a healing photo art service led by Anne Dahlgren and Douglas Faulke that features a range of fine art photography in CT to inspire healing and rehabilitation.

 

Contact them today for more details.

 

 


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