As awesome as it is to scroll through this list of fascinating nature pics, it's not nearly as beneficial as the real thing. Scientists have long discovered that being out in nature is excellent for our physical and mental health.
The American Psychological Association (APA) suggests spending at least two hours per week out in nature in order to really reap the benefits. Do it in one long session or break that time up into shorter chunks. Whatever floats your boat, just as long as you get out there.
Being in nature can support immune health in a couple of ways, according to UCLA Health's experts.
"Any time you are outside — rain or shine — you expose yourself to vitamin D, which is good for your immune system and your bones. Lower vitamin D levels are linked to a higher risk of viral infection," explains the site.
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Instead of simply going out into the garden or local park, why not take it a step further and try a forest bath? Yes, that is a real thing, and as the name suggests, it's done in a forest. But no, there's no bathtub involved. It's purely immersing yourself in the forest atmosphere, and experts say it's especially good for your immune system.
"The forest air you breathe in is full of phytoncides, chemicals shed by forest plants. Phytoncides’ antifungal and antibacterial qualities stimulate your body to increase the white blood cells responsible for fighting tumor- and virus-infected cells," reveals UCLA Health.
If you can't get to a forest, don't despair. Just park off in a quiet, green spot. Green as in nature, not a room where the walls are painted green. But experts say you should be sure to choose a calm environment if you want your short- and long-term cognitive abilities to benefit.
"Just being outside isn’t enough," cautions UCLA Health's team. "You need to be in a natural and peaceful environment. Urban settings require you to use your attention to overcome the stimulation of the environment, and your cognitive abilities can suffer."
Researchers have also found that spending time in nature can spark creativity. And that's because it stimulates curiosity and pushes you to reset, or recharge, your focus and attention. Cue: amazing new ideas!
"Natural stimulation, like trees, running water, clouds, and snow, refreshes our ability to focus. After taking a break in nature, you'll perform better at work or at school or at any activity that requires a lot of focus," adds Dr. Marc Berman, a psychologist who specializes in environmental neuroscience.
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Another benefit you might not have known about before is that nature is good for your eyes. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light by spending about two hours a day outdoors can prevent children and young adults from becoming near-sighted. And a 2021 study found that reading outside can help adults sharpen the visual areas of their brain.
One area of our health that's not often mentioned is our social health. And yes, you guessed it: being in nature benefits that too. Want to be a nicer person? Get outside more...
"Often when people are in nature, especially very beautiful and immersive natural environments, it can cause a sense of awe," says Berman. "This awe can be accompanied by a sense of being a part of something larger than ourselves, which can increase feelings of self-transcendence. We have even found that interactions with nature can cause people to think more about others and less about themselves."
If you've ever felt instantly uplifted after spending time in nature, you'll understand why experts say it's a great tonic for anxiety, depression and stress. And that's because it helps to improve your mood by altering the brain activity in your prefrontal cortex — the part that regulates your emotions.
Being in nature for just 20 minutes can significantly reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels. "But fully immerse yourself in a natural environment for 20 to 30 minutes for the greatest drop in cortisol," UCLA Health advises. "After that, cortisol tends to level out."
"Green space can also have a protective effect on depression risk. Researchers say that people who spend five or more hours outside on weekends tend to have a lower risk of mild depression than people who spend less than 30 minutes outdoors," reveals the UCLA Health site.
"Often depression puts people in a mental fatigue state, where it's hard to concentrate," adds Berman. "Interacting with nature can counteract this mental fatigue and provide people with more cognitive resources to deal with the problems causing the depression."
The expert warns that while nature can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, it is not a substitute for any medication your doctor may have prescribed.
