The soothing effect of nature on the human psyche is something we instinctively recognise, and numerous studies have confirmed it. Spending just 120 minutes in nature is enough to bring health benefits. In this context, it makes no difference whether one is hiking a mountain trail, walking through a forest near the city, or simply spending time in a garden. Whatever the setting, contact with nature improves mood and supports mental health.
Two hours
A study at the University of Exeter in the UK surveyed 20,000 people about their daily routines, including time spent in nature. The results showed that those who spent time outdoors at least once a week reported significantly better mental and physical well-being. Age, gender, occupation, or social status had no visible impact on the results.
Going to a forest, park, mountains, countryside, river, or lake are among the best ways to spend time in nature. Having a garden or plot of land, preferably away from city noise, where you can grow fruits, vegetables, or flowers, is even better. Natural sounds like birdsong help us relax and improve our mood. Being outdoors also helps us forget daily worries and reduces stress.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Tokyo, published in the journal Ecological Applications, demonstrates that time spent in contact with nature has a direct positive effect on various aspects of mental well-being, including:
- increased self-esteem;
- greater feelings of happiness;
- enhanced life satisfaction;
- reduced levels of depression and loneliness.
For this reason, during periods of stress, it is beneficial to turn to the restorative effects of nature. Being immersed in the natural environment engages the senses, promoting relaxation, restoring calm, and fostering reflection.
Nature and the city
A study conducted at Stanford University in the USA showed that spending just 90 minutes in nature improves mood and reduces rumination, intrusive negative thoughts linked to depression and anxiety. Participants were split into two groups: one walked in parks and forests, the other in the city. Afterwards, all underwent MRI scans of the prefrontal cortex, which is active during rumination. Those who spent time in nature had significantly fewer negative thoughts and reported better moods. Walking in the city produced no such effect. The study confirmed the positive impact of nature on mental health.
A nature prescription
Contact with nature significantly affects our emotional states and is directly linked to our experiences of:
- increased happiness;
- greater life satisfaction;
- heightened creativity;
- increased pro-social behaviors.
These effects are supported by numerous studies conducted worldwide. Additionally, spending time in natural environments helps to reduce anxiety and alleviates feelings of being overwhelmed by negative emotions.
The beneficial impact of nature on the human psyche is so valued that in some European countries (e.g., Finland and Scotland), it is prescribed by doctors. Both general practitioners and mental health specialists can recommend it. Interestingly, in South Korea, therapeutic forests are becoming increasingly popular, where urban residents spend their free time. This form of escaping the hustle and bustle of large metropolises improves well-being, clears the mind, and enhances mindfulness, which is closely related to an overall sense of happiness.
In Japan, the practice of forest bathing involves immersing oneself in the forest using all the senses. The fresh air, the smell of trees, forest sounds, and sunlight filtering through leaves provide comfort and:
- alleviate stress and worries;
- help us relax and think more clearly.
Being in nature improves our mood, restores energy, and refreshes us. Forest bathing is about simply being surrounded by nature and connecting with it through all our senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.
By 2050, it is expected that 66% of the world’s population will live in cities. Studies also show that most of our time is spent indoors. Even so, a short time in nature can benefit our health. The benefits of a two-hour forest bath include slowing down, switching off from technology, relaxing, reducing stress, and being fully present.
Children and nature
The undeniable link between time spent in nature and better health, including lower stress levels, a stronger immune system, better eyesight, and healthy weight, has been confirmed by over 400 studies. Frontiers in Psychology also published a more than 100-page e-book documenting the results of dozens of studies proving the connection between outdoor activities and better cognitive development and learning in children. Outdoors, children can truly be themselves; open spaces provide a sense of freedom with fewer restrictions and rules, bringing children genuine happiness.
Other studies have shown that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia (a pressing issue in the digital age). Additionally, exposure to friendly bacteria strengthens their immune systems.
Connecting with nature is a healthy habit worth developing, regardless of the season or weather. Forest walks, mountain hikes or gardening bring happiness and joy. Let us make a habit of spending weekends outside the city, going on local hikes and taking walks during work breaks. Time spent in nature benefits our health, supports well-being and brings joy, something we should prioritise. We should also teach children how nature can help them cope with everyday stress.
The Bible also shows humans as part of nature. According to the Scriptures, nature is neither beneath us nor evil. We live alongside it and share God’s authority. God cares for all He has made, humans, animals and the natural world, and watches over and blesses us. Here are His words once spoken through Moses:
‘For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey; a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing; a land whose stones are iron and out of whose hills you can dig copper. When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you’ (Deuteronomy 8:7-10).
By the way, we recommend reading the articles:
- Lost Life?
- The Power of Spoken Words
- Giants in the Bible and Other Writings
- What Do Astronauts Have To Say About God?
- True Femininity
Footnotes
- Kieszkowska, S., 2021. Wpływ natury na zdrowie psychiczne. Naturally Balanced. Available at: https://naturallybalanced.org/.
- Psychomedic, 2020. W niektórych krajach przepisują ją na receptę. Jaki wpływ na nasze zdrowie psychiczne ma natura? Psychomedic. Available at: https://psychomedic.pl/w-niektorych-krajach-przepisuja-ja-na-recepte-jaki-wplyw-na-nasze-zdrowie-psychiczne-ma-natura/.
- Antica Kudowa, n.d. Obcowanie z naturą jako lek na lęki, depresję, stres. Antica Kudowa. Available at: https://www.anticakudowa.pl/natura-jako-lek-na-l%C4%99ki-depresj%C4%99-i-stress.
- Jaromi, S., n.d. Przyroda – ogród Boży. Kropla. Available at: http://kropla.eko.org.pl/24/ogrod.html.
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The portal EvolutionOfThinking.org, created by the Research and Education Institute, focuses on education and the dissemination of knowledge related to research on various aspects of human well-being.
