The powerful impact of nature on your health
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How can being in nature help you recenter, refocus and refresh your well-being? From reduced anxiety to decreased blood pressure, here’s how spending time outside can positively impact your health — both mentally and physically.
How time spent in nature can improve your health
The average adult spends more than 90 percent of their day inside, away from nature. And that’s negatively impacting their well-being — especially if they have a mental health condition. The good news is that studies have shown spending just 20 minutes in nature, three days a week can significantly raise your spirits and positively contribute to your mental and physical health.
The benefits of nature on your mental health
Nature exposure is used to treat several mental health conditions, manage stress and improve overall mental performance. Time outdoors especially benefits those with:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Research suggests that outdoor activity reduces ADHD symptoms in children.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Nature-based therapies have become increasingly common for the treatment of PTSD in veterans.
- Stress, anxiety and depression – Nature exposure reduces the symptoms of these conditions by regulating the sympathetic nervous system.
The benefits of nature on your physical health
Not only does nature benefit your mental health, it also can improve your physical well-being. Studies have shown that nature exposure:
- Improves immune system function through increased exposure to vitamin D and phytoncides. These organic compounds have been known to support the human immune system.
- Decreases blood pressure levels.
- Regulates the circadian rhythm, which helps you sleep better.
- Increases the length and intensity of physical activity.
What counts as nature
You don’t have to be in the middle of the wilderness or on a remote island to experience the positive effects of nature. Any outdoor green space counts. This can be your backyard, a park, walking trail or even the golf course. In most cases, these spaces are accessible to everyone and inexpensive, if not free. And if you can’t get outside, even listening to nature sounds like waves, thunderstorms or bird calls can help you reap the mental and physical benefits of nature. Other ways to connect with nature indoors include opening a window, adding house plants or birdwatching.
More support for your mental health
The healing nature of the outdoors can be powerful, but if you find yourself needing more support, we can help. Most Wellmark members get free access to mental health support tools and resources through their health benefits. All of our member mental health services are confidential and available 24/7 when you log in to myWellmark®.
More urgent resources are available. If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis, text or call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This lifeline is available 24/7 and will connect callers with a trained crisis counselor who can help. In the case of an emergency, always call 911.