Nature and wellness are two elements that make a perfect match! After all, have you ever stopped to think that YOU are also (and part of) nature?
Unfortunately nowadays, few people understand and make a point of exploring this connection, taking advantage of the benefits it offers.
In an increasingly chaotic and fast-paced world, we tend to look inward less and less, breathe less and less deeply, appreciate moments of full consciousness less and less, interact less and less with our most instinctive side.
The good news is that, contrary to popular belief, establishing a healthier, more natural and meaningful routine, both physically and mentally, does not have to be a challenge.
After all, it is possible to start with small steps. And, that’s what we’re going to talk about in today’s article.
Do you want to understand in a practical way how to bring nature into your daily life, to enjoy a fulfilling life? Here, you will also understand the benefits of this valuable connection for humans.
So, join us!
What Does Science Say About Nature and Human Well-Being?
Although it often seems like a mystical or spiritual subject, there is no shortage of studies and research that prove that human well-being and the environment are totally connected to each other.
According to the 2019 edition of the journal Frontiers in Psychology, children demonstrated a pattern of faster and more stable responses to a series of attention tests.
This is after a 30-minute walk in a natural environment – with rolling grass fields, farmland and forested areas.
According to data from Mental Health Foundation, during the pandemic, 45% of people in the United Kingdom found walking through green spaces a way to deal with a period of stress and social isolation.
In addition to hiking, contact with nature can be stimulated by other senses such as smell, vision and hearing.
For example, a meta-analysis study, which Amber Pearson co-authored and which was published in 2021, investigated the beneficial effects of exposure to natural sounds such as birdsong, animal noises, wind rustling, and murmuring. of water, in national parks.
The results revealed that this exposure was correlated with reduced levels of stress and discomfort, as well as a decrease in pain perception and an improvement in one’s humour.
Additionally, water sounds demonstrated a stronger association with increasing positive mood, while birdsong had a particularly significant impact on reducing stress and discomfort.
In fact, according to the Mental Health Foundation, such is the power of nature that even watching documentaries from the comfort of your sofa can be good for your mental health.
Benefits of Nature for Human Well-Being
Nature and Mental Health
Firstly, being in natural environments, such as parks, forests or by water, has been linked to reduced production of the stress hormone cortisol.
Nature also has the power to improve people’s mood and increase feelings of happiness and wonder.
After all, its beauty and serenity often have a positive effect on people’s emotional state.
Additionally, spending time in nature can reduce symptoms of anxiety and provide a feeling of calm and tranquility.
Therefore, it can be used to treat mental health disorders, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Finally, green places provide an environment conducive to meaningful social interactions, such as picnics, group walks, and other outdoor activities, which can promote healthy relationships and social support.
Nature and Physical Health
In addition to the impacts on mental health, nature offers an ideal setting for physical activities, such as walking, cycling, running, swimming and much more.
Outdoor exercise is an excellent way to stay fit, improve endurance and strength, and promote cardiovascular health.
Natural environments often have better air quality compared to urban areas, which is beneficial for lung health and immunity.
Therefore, breathing fresh air helps reduce the risk of respiratory problems and allergies.
Another beneficial factor for human health is exposure to natural sunlight, as it is a vital source of vitamin D.
This, in turn, plays an important role in bone health, regulating the immune system and many other biological processes.
Finally, exposure to natural light and the regularity of circadian cycles can improve sleep quality. And as you already know, adequate sleep is essential for recovery and overall health.
Nature and Food
It is in natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and lean proteins that we find the greatest sources of nutrients for our body.
Additionally, they promote cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
This type of diet is associated with a lower risk of developing chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Natural food tends to be minimally processed, which means it contains fewer substances such as preservatives, colourings and other artificial ingredients that might be harmful to your health.
Avoiding these substances can contribute to better long-term health.
5 Ways to Incorporate Nature and Wellness into Your Daily Life
1. Going on nature tours
Take time to walk, run, or bike in nearby parks, trails, or natural areas.
Even short walks can be very beneficial.
Along the way, observe the different forms of life and the elements around you.
Pay attention to stimuli, sharpening your 5 senses.
2. Gardening
If you have room, grow a garden and vegetable garden at home.
Not only does this bring nature into your backyard, but also provides a relaxing activity, fully connecting with the earth, plants, water and other nutrients.
In addition, you can also harvest the grown foods and spices and prepare a delicious natural meal.
Participating in the entire cultivation cycle of a food, until it reaches the table, provides indescribable feelings of appreciation
3. Doing yoga and meditation outdoors
Doing yoga and meditation in a natural setting, like a park or a waterfall, can be revitalising and relaxing at the same time.
Both offer their own benefits for human health. So, imagine the well-being combo you can acquire by practising them in nature.
4. Taking short trips
Plan weekend getaways to nearby natural locations like beaches, mountains, or national parks.
Additionally, plan occasional camping trips, which are great for experiencing a natural environment in a more intimate way.
Finally, when spending time in nature, disconnect from electronic devices and allow yourself to be fully present in the natural environment.
5. Adding CBD into your routine
CBD is a natural compound derived from Cannabis, known for its potential benefits for physical and mental health.
Choosing CBD products obtained from organic and natural sources, such as Happy Hemper oil, highlights the connection between humans and nature.
This can promote a sense of well-being by choosing products that originate from the earth.
- Furthermore, just a few drops of the oil provide numerous benefits:
- Reduce high levels of stress and anxiety
- Relieve chronic pain and inflammation
- Promote calm and physical relaxation
- Improve the sleep cycle
- Returns vitality to the skin
So, did you enjoy understanding the connection between nature and wellness?
We hope this article has inspired you to seek closer contact with the green of plants, the blue of the sky and water, insects, animals and your own mind!
If you have a very unique way of interacting with nature, share it with us!
And don’t forget to visit our CBD oil page to find health in a 100% organic, vegan and natural way.