Why the wind in your hair is important for mental health

The benefits of nature to people’s mental health are well-documented and widely accepted.

Spending time in natural settings has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote feelings of well-being.

So, let’s dive into the top benefits (evidence-based, baby) of nature to your mental health.

Top Benefits of Nature to Mental Health

1. Reduced Stress

One of the most significant benefits of spending time in nature is the reduction of stress.

In a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, participants who spent time in nature reported lower levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress (Jia et al., 2019).

Another study found that spending time in nature can improve heart rate variability, a measure of the body’s ability to respond to stress (Song et al., 2022).

2. Improved Mood

Spending time in nature has also been shown to improve mood.

In a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, participants who spent time in nature reported higher levels of positive emotions and lower levels of negative emotions (McMahan & Estes, 2015).

Another study found that spending time in nature can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety (Bratman et al., 2015).

3. Increased Physical Activity

Spending time in nature often involves physical activity, such as hiking, gardening, running, or swimming.

Physical activity has been shown to have numerous mental health benefits, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety (Stubbs et al., 2017).

A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that people who live near parks and green spaces are more likely to engage in physical activity, which in turn leads to improved mental health outcomes (Kondo et al., 2018).

4. Improved Cognitive Function

Spending time in nature has also been shown to improve cognitive function.

In a study published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning, participants who spent time in nature demonstrated improved cognitive function compared to those who spent time in urban environments (Berman et al., 2008).

Another study found that exposure to natural settings can improve attention and working memory (Taylor & Kuo, 2009).

Watching or Listening to Nature

While spending time in nature is the most direct way to experience its mental health benefits, research suggests that watching or listening to nature can also be beneficial.

In a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, participants who watched a video of nature scenes reported lower levels of stress and higher levels of positive emotions compared to those who watched a video of urban scenes (Nutsford et al., 2019).

Another study found that listening to nature sounds can improve mood and cognitive function (Alvarsson et al., 2010).

So, get outta here

Humans began their journey across the planet in nature.

It’s in our DNA to thrive in a connection to our natural world, so much so that spending time in natural settings can reduce stress, improve mood, promote physical activity, and improve cognitive function.

Even virtual exposure to nature can have mental health benefits.

And if you’re ready to take control of your story, we’re here for you.

References

Alvarsson, J. J., Wiens, S., & Nilsson, M. E. (2010). Stress recovery during exposure to nature sound and environmental noise. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7(3), 1036-1046.

Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207-1212.

Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., Hahn, K. S., Daily, G. C., & Gross, J. J. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(28), 8567-8572.

Song, S. et al. (2022). Restorative Effects from Green Exposure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21).

Jia, B., Yang, Z., Mao, G., Lyu, Y., & Wang, J. (2019). Effects of forest therapy on depressive symptoms among adults: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(19), 3736.

Kondo, M. C., Fluehr, J. M., McKeon, T., Branas, C. C. (2018). Urban green space and its impact on human health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(3), 445.

McMahan, E. A., & Estes, D. (2015). The effect of contact with natural environments on positive and negative affect: A meta-analysis. Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(6), 507-519.

Nutsford, D., Pearson, A. L., Kingham, S. P., & Reitsma, F. (2019). Residential exposure to visible blue space (but not green space) associated with lower psychological distress in a capital city. Health & Place, 57, 285-293.

Stubbs, B., Vancampfort, D., Hallgren, M., Firth, J., Veronese, N., Solmi, M., & Schuch, F. (2017). EPA guidance on physical activity as a treatment for severe mental illness: A meta-review of the evidence and Position Statement from the European Psychiatric Association (EPA), supported by the International Organization of Physical Therapists in Mental Health (IOPTMH). European Psychiatry, 45, 41-55.

Taylor, A. F., & Kuo, F. E. (2009). Children with attention deficits concentrate better after walk in the park. Journal of Attention Disorders, 12(5), 402-409.