As technology is on the rise, we are slowly losing our connection with nature. This has become detrimental not only to the environment itself but also to us as humans. Without nature we are becoming less focused, mental health is on the rise and our physical health is deteriorating but what does this have to do with nature?
What is nature?
Nature can be defined as several things including:
- The ocean
- Bushlands
- A golf course
- Rivers & lakes
- The beach
- Mangroves
- A sporting field
- Animals, including your pets
- Rainforests
- Your backyard
- A local park
- School playground
Yet even with all these areas that we can enjoy, we are still having a nature deficit.
Why is Nature so Important?
Something I have come to appreciate is the indigenous cultures across the world. They have always led the way in living a traditional and very mindful life, with a strong understanding and connection to their environment. The western world has only just really started to discover the importance of mindfulness and having a strong connection to the environment and how important it is to both our mental and physical health.
So why is nature so important for us?
It gives symptom relief for health issues.
Recent studies have shown that nature reduces the symptoms for people who are suffering heart disease, depression, cancer, anxiety and attention disorders. A study was done where they noticed that people that were unwell in hospital and had a view of nature symptoms cleared up quicker and they were able to go home compared to people who were in a room and only had a view of buildings.
It boosts your immunity.
When you are out in nature it has shown to have a great impact on your health and has shown to reduce inflammation and prevents many diseases by boosting your immunity. It also has been shown to reduce your blood pressure, stabilise heart rate and decrease the production of stress hormones.
A Japanese study discovered that trees and plants emit aromatic compounds called phytonicides that, when inhaled, can spur healthy biological changes in a manager similar to aromatherapy. So when people walk through nature, they often exhibit changes in the blood that are associated with protection against cancer, better immunity and lower blood pressure.
It provides medicine and wholefoods.
The environment is a great provider of natural medicines and resources through the various plants and berries. It also provides us with the wholefoods we should be eating every day to live a healthier lifestyle and prevent illnesses, diseases and obesity.
Better attention span and focus. Research has shown that attention span improves for people with ADHD when they are in nature. It has also shown that when people are exposed to nature their brain parts linked with empathy and love.
Living in rural areas creates a slower, more relaxed lifestyle.
People who live in rural areas away from the busy-ness of the big cities live a slower and more relaxed lifestyle in comparison to those that live in big cities who are constantly rushing around. It is known that they are more in sync with nature’s rhythm. An experiment revealed that participants who walked for an hour in a forest showed decreased amygdala activity during a stress task, while those who walked for an hour in the city did not.
Going to the beach or ocean changes your brain function to be calmer more than anywhere else.
Between the soothing, meditative sounds of the waves along with the colour blue which is associated with feelings of calm and peace the beach is one of the best places to go for your mental health. The smell of the ocean breeze contributes to feeling zen, mostly likely due to the negative ions in the air which are oxygen atoms that have an extra electron and occur in places like waterfalls and the ocean. Just staring at the ocean changes your brain waves and puts you into a naturally meditative state. Between the noises and the visuals, as well as even the feeling of the sand between your toes, it all activates your parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for slowing us down and helping us to relax and be more engaged.
Petting a dog for just 15 minutes can lower blood pressure by 10%.
Research has revealed that by just spending time with your four-legged friend releases serotonin, oxytocin, prolactin and even lowers the stress hormone cortisol. Therefore, dogs are now used regularly to assist people with mental health as well as are available for witnesses to pet when they are giving a testimony in a court case.
Doing something good to help nature increases your endorphins and makes you happier.
By doing something good to help the environment is shown to produce endorphins which reduces your stress hormone, helps you to age slower and just one act of goodwill can make you feel more positive and happier for up to a week after completing it. It has also been revealed that people who volunteer in the environment not only reap the benefits of a lot of the previous points mentioned, but also live longer, have fewer aches or pains and it is known to protect their overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. It has a stronger effect than exercising four times per week.
We need to get out and appreciate the importance and beauty of nature a lot more and do more to look after it.
What have you got planned for your week ahead to get your dose of nature?
