By Susan Williams
Susan Williams, MEd, RH(AHG)Looking at Nature Helps Health
Seriously? Yes, seriously.
Looking at nature matters to health because the human brain and nervous system appear to recover differently in natural environments than in highly stimulating built environments.
Even brief exposure to trees, water, plants, sky, or natural landscapes has been associated with measurable improvements in stress, mood, attention, and physical health.
Here are some of the main findings researchers point to:
It lowers stress physiology.
Studies have found that viewing nature can reduce cortisol, heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension
It reduces mental fatigue.
Modern environments constantly demand directed attention: screens, traffic, alerts, decisions, noise. Nature provides what psychologists call “soft fascination” or attention that is gentle and restorative rather than effortful. This can improve cognition, cognitive recovery, emotional regulation and focus
It improves mood.
People exposed to green space often report lower anxiety, less depression and greater feelings of wellbeing. Even viewing nature through a window or looking at photographs of natural scenes can have small positive effects.
Nature exposure may support physical health, too.
Research has linked access to green space with lower chronic stress, better cardiovascular health, improved immune function and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Researchers are still studying exactly how much comes from movement, air quality, sunlight, social connection, versus the psychological effects of nature itself.
Here’s a big deal — Small doses still count!
You do not necessarily need wilderness or long hikes. Helpful exposure can include:
- sitting under a tree.
- looking at the ocean.
- gardening.
- walking in a park.
- noticing birds or clouds.
- viewing natural landscapes from a window.
So go ahead, give it a look. What have you got to lose? Or more importantly, look at what you have to gain!
Susan Williams, MEd, RH (AHG), is a certified holistic nutritionist, yoga instructor, Duke trained National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and enthusiastic student of health for older citizens.
Disclaimer: Self Care posts are shared for information purposes only, and are never intended as individual medical advice nor as a substitute for healthcare services.