Connecting With Nature Can Improve Your Brain Health
Nature is more than just beautiful sights or a means to get fresh air. Spending time in nature also has numerous benefits for our mental and physical health. One of the most significant benefits is its positive impact on your brain health!
Five reasons why nature is good for your brain health based on scientific research:
1. Reduces stress and anxiety
Just a few minutes of exposure to nature causes your body to release endorphins and other stress-reducing hormones, which help to lower stress levels and alleviate anxiety.
2. Improving cognitive function
Spending time in nature, during any season, can boost memory and improve attention span.
3. Enhancing creativity
Nature promotes relaxation which in turn enhances our creativity, problem-solving skills, and imaginative thinking.
4. Boosting mental health
More time spent in nature (specifically 5 - 8 hours a week) was shown to lower depressive symptoms and other mental health conditions.
5. Promoting physical activity
Enjoying green and blue spaces often encourages physical activities (e.g., walking, swimming, or biking) and physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function and focus, as well as reduce the risk of developing age-related diseases such as dementia.
But finding ways to connect with nature can be difficult….
Here are our ideas for ways you can connect with nature!
· Go for a walk or bike ride. Try mixing in a walk or bike ride when you can a couple of times a week. Can your commute take you out into nature?
· Visit a botanical garden or nature reserve. Most rural and urban places have a botanical garden or nature reserve to visit, find one near you!
· Work or read outside. Bring a typical indoor activity to the outdoors.
· Take up outdoor activities. Gardening or outdoor recreational sports are a great way to get out into nature on a more regular basis.
Can’t get outdoors?
Flowers, in particular, can create a feeling of happiness, by triggering the release of dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin – neurotransmitters that are linked to the parts of the brain tied to emotional bonding, mood stability and reward. If you can’t get outside, bring some nature indoors.