We often hear that the food we put into our body, how much we move and the amount of sleep we get can all benefit our wellbeing, but it turns out that stepping outside can also help.
Dr. Kimberly Gushanas, a licensed clinical psychologist with the University of Texas Medical Branch, explained that the benefits we already know we get from spending time in nature include improved sleep, attention, eye and cardiovascular health, along with other physiological benefits. However, she has also taken the time to explore how emotional, existential and spiritual health are affected as well.
“We know that, in general, the more you get out in nature, the more you experience better moods and less stress,” she said. “You are even at lower risk for psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, substance misuse and even schizophrenia. Research has even shown that the more time you spend with nature, the more cooperative, generous and empathetic you are.”
Gushanas said experiments have shown some activities to be particularly beneficial, including:
- Being in the sun for 10 minutes each morning and afternoon or evening.
- Spending time in green spaces like forests, meadows or grasslands, or near blue spaces like bodies of water.
- Getting at least two hours each week in nature to touch the soil with bare hands and feet.
- Finding variety and biodiversity in the outdoors.
- Experiencing the vastness of open horizons and skies.
“Simply looking at the color green can help,” Gushanas said.
She emphasized, however, that the greatest benefits come from looking at actual green plants, not just seeing the color green on objects.
While there is a recommended minimum time for exposure outdoors, Gushanas noted there is no maximum. In fact, the longer and more frequently you’re outdoors, the better the benefits will be.
“Anecdotally, the practice of grounding, which is the act of touching the earth with your feet or bottom, appears helpful as well, but the science has yet to validate those experiences,” she said.
Recognizing that it’s difficult to recommend a precise “dosage” for spending time in nature, Gushanas advised not to overcomplicate things. Instead, she recommended slowing down, keeping it simple and starting with what’s readily available. Take some time to appreciate it.
“Explore the world around you, allow your brain the space and time to connect with nature,” she said. “In the process, you’ll likely reconnect with yourself.”
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