If any of you who have met me or follow me on Instagram you will know that I love trees. Well not just trees really, I love being by the sea and seeing the horizon, I love a mountain view, and don’t even get me started on a lake! It never used to be something I felt as bothered about. When I was a child I often felt I was dragged on “boring” nature walks! However, as i’ve grown to learn more about myself and what does me good, I’ve so often felt the power of nature on my wellbeing. And it’s not just me. There are so many scientifically proven benefits of being around how nature can improve your mental health and well-being. 

What are the benefits of being around nature?

When I work with clients, we often think about activities they can do which may increase their feelings of calm. This is done by activating the parasympathic nervous system. This can involve all number of things including breathwork, body work, listening to music, doing yoga to name by a few strategies.  I will also often share with them ways in which they can improve their mental health through nature. I will regularly encourage my clients to “be around nature”. What I mean by this is to be in the presence of nature. Whether they can access a beautiful walk in the countryside or a city park. It doesn’t matter. 

This is how nature can improve your mental health and well-being. There are benefits on both our physical and mental health, including:

1. Reducing stress: Studies have shown that spending time in nature, especially around trees, can help reduce levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress.

2. Boosting mood: Being in nature can increase feelings of happiness and well-being. Exposure to greenery has been linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety.

3. Improving cognitive function: Being in nature has been shown to improve attention and memory function.

4. Promoting physical activity: Spending time in nature often involves physical activity, such as hiking, walking or biking, which can have positive effects on mental health.

5. Encouraging mindfulness: Nature can help promote a sense of mindfulness, allowing individuals to become more present and aware of their surroundings, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.

6. Providing a sense of awe and wonder: Nature can inspire feelings of awe and wonder, which can foster a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that participants who took part in a forest therapy program, which involved spending time in nature, had significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms.

The impact of awe on our wellbeing

Recently I listened to a brilliant podcast called The diary of a CEO with Stephen Bartlett. He interviewed Dacher Keltner , a bestselling author and professor of psychology at UC Berkeley. They talked about how to reduce stress and anxiety. In particular they discussed the concept of awe. Awe is a feeling that can be difficult to understand, but it has a significant impact on both our brains and bodies.  They discussed how awe can help our brains by enhancing creativity to boosting our immune system. It can play a major role in our overall well-being. Here is the link, it’s a great listen. 

The research into awe

Scientific research has shown that experiencing awe can have several benefits, including:

1. Increased well-being: Studies have shown that experiencing awe is associated with greater life satisfaction, positive mood, and decreased feelings of stress and anxiety.

2. Increased empathy and prosocial behaviour: Experiencing awe has been linked to increased feelings of social connectedness and empathy towards others. Awe can also inspire people to act in more altruistic and helpful ways towards others.

3. Increased creativity: Experiencing awe can enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities. It has been shown to increase cognitive flexibility and the ability to see things from different perspectives.

4. Improved health: Some studies suggest that experiencing awe may have positive effects on physical health, such as lower levels of inflammation, improved immune system function, and reduced risk of chronic disease.

5.Increased sense of purpose and meaning: Experiencing awe can inspire a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It can help individuals to feel connected to something greater than themselves and to see their place in the world in a broader context.

Getting a lot of bang for our buck

So as you can see, when we allow ourselves to be in the presence of nature, we are getting a lot of bang for our buck. You really can start to see how nature can improve your mental health and well-being. If you add in nature that conjures up a sense of awe- you’re really doing your brain and body some good!

It’s not always easy to access nature. However evidence has also show that having or a screensaver/ desktop wallpaper that has nature scenes on it, can also lower cortisol and improve wellbeing. Whilst it’s not as good as the real deal, it can help to some extent. Additionally, incorporating nature into our environment, such as through the use of houseplants or natural materials, can also have positive effects on mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that exposure to nature indoors can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase productivity.

Even house plants can have a positive impact on our wellbeing

So what can you do?

Firstly it might be helpful to think about any places nearby where you live which can offer you a sense of being in the presence of nature. It might be a lovely walk in the local park, or a canal or woodland nearby. Think about how you may try and incorporate spending time in this environment for at least 20 minutes a few times a week. If you’re not able to fit this in, think about when you do go on a walk, can you be mindful of what nature is around you? This might be some flowers starting to grow, the leaves on the trees, the clouds in the sky. Try to soak it in. 

You don’t have to be full surrounded by nature, you could just pay attention to the things around you that are easily accessible. You might want to add some houseplants to your living or office space. Often we are surrounded with technology and those plants can be a lovely antidote to this. 

Planting a tree

As a therapist one of my values is that I care for the environment. I try to do what I can to play a role in caring for the environment. Therefore, every time I start working with a new client, I donate to this charity and a tree is planted. The ‘trees for cities’ charity are the only UK charity working at a national and international scale to improve lives by planting trees in cities.

Not all of us are fortunate to have access to the beauty of trees and the power of nature, and this charity is trying to change this. They get involved with local communities to cultivate lasting change in their neighbourhoods. Whether it’s revitalising forgotten spaces, creating healthier environments or getting people excited about growing, foraging and eating healthy food. So if you do end up working with me in some capacity hopefully you can feel good that you are doing your bit for the environment and the wellbeing of others too!

I hope you enjoyed reading this article on how nature can improve your mental health and well-being. If you feel you would like any extra support with your mental health or wellbeing and you would like to book in an initial free 15 minute consultation you can contact me here. 

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