With so much focus on mental health and general wellbeing, we need to seek out simple ways to achieve a balance in life. If you are feeling somewhat overwhelmed, consumed with anxiety or just having trouble pinpointing how you feel…then turn to nature for the answer.
Research shows that spending time in nature is connected to cognitive and mental health benefits, as well as improvements in mood and emotional wellbeing.
Let’s face it, we are all coming out of a rather wet, grey Melbourne winter, all feeling somewhat deflated and uninspired. But Spring is here, the sun is pushing through the clouds, and there has never been a better time to embrace the outdoors. Make it a part of your daily routine, to either walk rather than drive, exercise in the park or just grab your tea and sit in the sun for 10 mins between study sessions.
Here are a few more benefits of spending time outdoors…
🌳It improves your short term memory.
A research study has proved that being surrounded by plants and trees leaves a deep impact on our brain and short-term memory is improved by 20% by walking in nature.
Perhaps plan your next study session in the park under a big old tree.
🌳It helps reduce stress and anxiety.
As previously mentioned, walking barefoot on the grass will bring about an immediate sense of calmness. It will improve your mood, boost feelings of happiness and wellbeing and gibe your immune system a much needed boost of Vitamin D.
🌳It nurtures our sense of Gratitude.
When we are too caught up in our busy lives, we become very self-centred, and forget to be grateful for all the small wonderful things around us. Nature helps us feel grateful for our ever changing surroundings, like when the ray of sunshine finally peeks out from behind the grey clouds. It is a constant reminder that things are always shifting and changing and whatever you are dealing with now, it will not always be this way.
🌳It boosts our creativity and levels concentration.
Nature has been the constant inspiration for generations of artists around the world. Poems and songs have been written about it, paintings and photographs have captured its beauty, and whether you are an artist or not, in some way it is influencing your creativity. So make your study breaks an opportunity to step outside, no matter what the weather, and feel the wind on your face, the grass between your toes and sun in your eyes.
Make nature your own personal mini health retreat.