Nature is truly a magical and beautiful thing. For most of us, the beauty of nature is defined by colorful sunsets and picturesque landscapes. However, it is so much more. Nature can be a healer, from the herbs and plants that lie at its surface, to the therapeutic spiritual powers that go much deeper. Whatever it may be, it can have profound benefits on your health.
Now that winter is a thing of the past and warmer weather is upon us, there is no excuse in avoiding the outdoors. In fact, spending time amongst the birds and the trees so to speak, can be very favorable to your health in several ways.
- A boost of energy
Getting out of bed in the morning or even starting your day can be a struggle. We’ve all been there! Our first instinct is to reach for the coffee pot to give us that kick of energy we need to begin the day. This is not always the best solution, as it is a temporary fix. An alternative would be to substitute that dose of caffeine with a dose of the outdoors. Time outside can help give you that energy you are looking for. A nice brisk walk in nature can help increase energy levels and simply create a sense of vitality to motivate you to accomplish your tasks for the day.
Your general well-being or health can be elevated to new heights by ensuring better immunity. Your immune system can be helped not only with lifestyle changes, but with what nature has to offer. Nature is full of herbs and plants that can help in remedying certain ailments, and ultimately build up your immunity. Think of the immune system as the security guard of your body. It stops any bacteria or harmful elements before they cause too much damage. If this guard is healthy thanks to the components found in nature, then so too will your well-being.
- Less stress
You’ve probably heard or even been told to take a deep breath when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. This expression couldn’t be truer. It is highly recommended that when you begin to feel anxious or stressed, stop what you are doing and take a moment to step into nature and leave all worries behind. The fresh air of the outdoors can help keep your mental health in check by supplying your brain with oxygen, making you feel more alert and less stressed and sad. A nice walk in the park is all you need.
- Alleviate ailments
Being in nature, or even just sitting by the window or on the front porch, can do wonders to one’s recovery process after certain illnesses. Nature not only makes you feel good emotionally but also physically. Less stress means lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, and less muscle tension. These attributes can aid in recovery and promote general health and well-being.
The concept of “green prescriptions” is not a new one but a revived one as the benefits of nature on one’s health are becoming more and more substantiated. The idea of spending more time in nature has been around for centuries, especially when parks and larger open spaces where implemented in bigger cities like London or Manhattan. With our current daily rushed pace and the impact that it has on our overall health, it should come as no surprise that we should go back to the basics, take in the fresh air, and enjoy the nurturing and healing wonders of nature.
By Jennifer Soueida, B.Sc.
