You just scheduled your hip replacement procedure, and you’re starting to get anxious about it. Stress and anxiety are ailments that we all experience in our life from time to time. However, you might be surprised to learn that spending time in nature can help relieve you of some of these unpleasant feelings. Nature has many healing benefits that you might not know about.
Here are 3 healing benefits of nature!
Cognitive Health
Time spent in nature makes an incredible impact on our cognitive health. Spending just a few minutes outside can “perk up a tired brain” according to some research. In turn, this promotes energy and better focus in just a matter of minutes. If you’re struggling to focus or wake up, stepping outside is the easiest way to beat this cognitive impairment.
Studies have also shown that even listening to nature can have a positive effect on our cognitive functioning. Participants who listened to nature sounds before a challenging cognitive test did better than those who didn’t. This could even be mimicked by listening to sounds on your devices if it’s not reasonable to get outside.
Alleviates Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
The effects of time spent in nature on depression and anxiety have been widely studied. Researchers show that spending time in nature can have a profound positive impact on those suffering with depression. It comes as no surprise, as I’m sure you’ve found yourself feeling better after a walk in the woods.
Spending time in nature has shown to reduce cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Nature can truly heal our bodies without us even being aware of it. This is why nature and forest therapy is becoming increasingly popular over the years. You don’t have to sign up to be a participant of nature therapy to reap the positive benefits. All it takes is to visit a local park or take a stroll through the woods.
Reduce Feelings of Loneliness
A recent study shows that spending time in nature “reduced isolation.” If you find yourself feeling trapped or alone, getting outside can help you to feel fuller and more connected to the world around you. Sometimes, we spend too much time inside our own heads. This can cause us to feel isolated. Yet, stepping outside you’re instantly reminded there’s a whole world out there.
Simply by listening to the birds, feeling the breeze on your face, and experiencing all the life that exists in nature can make you more aware that the world is bigger than your thoughts. It wakes you up to the beauty and wonder that’s always present.
The Rundown
Nature is an incredibly powerful force. This is why it’s paramount that we work to protect it at all costs. As we know, global climate change is impacting the number of green spaces we have available to us. The healing benefits of nature are something not to be taken for granted.
If you’re interested in helping protect the environment, consider volunteering or donating to environmental causes. Nature needs our help as much as we need hers.