How Does Being in Nature Affect Your Brain?

Gives the Brain a Chance to Unplug

Being in nature provides a genuine rest for our brains and our bodies. To be outdoors and away from computers, television, phones, and myriad other distractions is a true gift to ourselves. Our minds are allowed to take a break from countless distractions and responsibilities.

Noises and interruptions bombard them. It’s no wonder that anxiety is so common. Our brains are forced to handle many stimuli that are still unnatural to them. It’s hard on our minds, bodies, and emotions.

Likewise, when we go outside, we give ourselves a chance to get out of our own heads. The physical sensations we experience outdoors help pull us into the present moment.

Wind, bird song, leaves fluttering overhead, the smells of plants and soil, help us let go of the endless thoughts chasing through our mind. It offers a chance to decrease our anxiety levels. We need this natural input.

Natural Circadian Rhythms

We often forget, but our bodies are well in tune with the natural cycle of the sun. Our bodies need morning light to signal us that it’s time to wake up and get moving. Our bodies sleep better if we dim the lights in the evenings and stay away from our screens. But living indoors often interrupts this essential need.

When you go outdoors, your body has a chance to re-tune its rhythm to the sun. It can recalibrate its sleep and wake cycles appropriately. And in the wintertime, when Seasonal Affective Disorder is prevalent, using natural light indoors can also help with sleep regulation and anxiety.

Physical Exercise

While we don’t have to be moving our bodies to enjoy the benefits of nature, it’s often an added side benefit. Whether you’re walking, hiking, strolling, running, biking, or climbing, going outdoors offers many fun ways to exercise. Exercise works to increase serotonin and other feel-good chemicals in our bodies. It helps combat anxiety. Combined with nature’s benefits, it’s a win-win.

Anti-depressant Qualities of Soil

Researchers were startled to discover that mycobacterium vaccae, a naturally occurring bacteria in the soil, provides mood-boosting effects. When you garden, you’re often elbow deep in the soil, disturbing the compound and breathing it in. Even the small disturbance in soil when you walk on a path kicks up this good bacteria.

Keep It Simple

Nature knows what our brain needs and provides it in abundance. But you don’t have to book a flight to the Rocky Mountains or hop a ship to Alaska to enjoy the benefits of time outdoors. You don’t have to plant a half-acre garden or take week-long walking tours through Europe.

Sit on a park bench, close your eyes, and listen to the wind and the birds. Walk along a quiet, shady street or through an open space preserve (many cities now have them). Put your feet up on a lawn chair and sunbathe. Even having a view of the scenery and open space out the window can help.

If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, pencil time into your schedule to be outdoors. It’s free and can help so much.

—

I specialize in working with people suffering from anxiety. Please visit our page about anxiety counseling to learn more. I’d love to talk with you if you’re reading to take another step in your journey toward healing.