From the beginning, humans have been surrounded by nature, and one cannot deny that humans have a connection to nature. Not only is nature beautiful to look at, but it also has some health benefits. These health benefits may be different based on your exposure or encounter with nature.
Viewing Nature
One does not have to be in nature to view it. The health benefits from viewing nature can even be obtained from viewing a picture on a wall of a scene involving nature, or looking out a window. The following list of health benefits can be obtained from simply viewing nature:
- Decreased physical symptoms including headaches
- Better test results (in regards to exams)
- Better performance in attention demanding tasks
- Decreased stress and quicker recovery from it
- Increased well – being
- Increased mood and faster recovery from mental fatigue
- Increased job satisfaction
- Improved immunity
- Faster recovery following surgery
Being in Nature
Being in nature can involve many different things including sitting outside, playing outside, or working outside. The health benefits of being nature depend on what an individual is doing and how they may experience being in nature. As a result, this is not a comprehensive list, but can provide insight into the health benefits of being in nature:
- Decreased severity of symptoms in children with ADD
- Increased concentration
- Improved cognitive functioning
- Aid individuals recovering from substance abuse
- Increase confidence (if performing different tasks in nature)
- Increased physical activity, and subsequent health benefits from physical activity
Observing Plants and Gardens
Many communities have developed community gardens and many individuals have plants in their home. By observing either of these, one can experience several health benefits, including:
- Increase feelings of peace
- Improved psychological well – being
Observing or interacting with animals
Observing animals in nature can be very peaceful and tranquil, but there can be added benefit from also spending time with an animal (preferably a well – known animal) such as a dog or a cat:
- Express intimacy and facilitate social connection
- Decrease stress
- Decrease blood pressure and heart rate
- Decreased minor health problems
- Improved mental health
- Decreased cholesterol
- Decreased triglycerides
- Improved quality of life
With all of these different ways of interacting with and experiencing nature, I would encourage you to find your own way of interacting with nature and embrace the health benefits that can be obtained from that. The information from this article was derived from the following resource: http://www.georgewright.org/262maller.pdf. For more information please refer to this resource or ask Elisha Cook for more information.
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Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, please book an appointment with Elisha Cook at the RSNC today and let me help you achieve your health goals.