The Healing Power of Nature: Why Spending Time Outdoors is Good for Your Health
Photo by Mary Madore-Hickey / Merze Lifestyle at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
Imagine walking through a forest, surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery. The only sounds you can hear are the birds chirping and the wind rustling through the leaves. You feel a sense of peace and calm wash over you. This is the power of nature.
Spending time in nature has been shown to have several health benefits, both physical and mental. Nature has been called "the best medicine.”
““Nature has a profound impact on our well-being. Spending time in nature can help to reduce stress, improve mood, boost cognitive function, and lower blood pressure. It can also help us to feel more grounded and connected to something larger than ourselves.” ”
Here are some of the specific ways that spending time in nature benefits our wellness:
Reduces stress. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone. This can lead to several health benefits, including improved sleep, a stronger immune system, and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Improves mood. Nature can also help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that people who spend time in nature are happier and more optimistic.
P.hoto by Mary Madore-Hickey / Merze Lifestyle on the coast of Central California
Boosts cognitive function. Nature can also help to boost cognitive function and improve memory. Studies have shown that people who spend time in nature perform better on cognitive tests.
Lowers blood pressure. Spending time in nature can also help to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that people who spend time in nature have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
Promotes physical activity. Spending time in nature often involves physical activity like hiking, biking, or swimming. Physical activity is essential for good physical and mental health.
Get out and hike and take photos
Enhances social interaction. Spending time in nature can also provide opportunities for social interaction. For example, you can walk with a friend or family or join a hiking group. Social interaction is essential for our overall well-being.
In addition to these specific benefits, spending time in nature can also help to improve our overall sense of well-being. Nature can help us to feel more grounded and connected to something larger than ourselves. It can also help us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
If you're looking for ways to improve your wellness, I encourage you to spend more time in nature. Even a short walk in the park can make a big difference. It certainly does for me!
Here are a few tips for connecting with nature:
Find a place in nature where you feel comfortable and relaxed. This could be a park, a forest, a beach, or even your backyard.
Spend time in nature without any distractions. This means turning off your phone and putting away any other devices.
Be present and mindful of your surroundings. Pay attention to nature's sights, sounds, smells, and textures.
Take deep breaths and relax. Focus on the feeling of the air coming in and out of your lungs.
Enjoy the beauty of nature. Appreciate the plants, animals, and landscapes around you.
Another way to connect with nature is to bring it into your home. Using natural materials, such as wood, stone, and bamboo, often characterizes botanical design. It may also incorporate botanical elements such as plants, flowers, and leaves. Botanical design can create various looks, from rustic to modern.
There are many ways to add botanical design to your home interior. Here are a few ideas:
Add potted plants to your home. Potted plants are a great way to bring nature indoors and add a touch of green to any room. Choose plants that are easy to care for and fit your available space.
Hang botanical prints on your walls. Botanical prints are a beautiful and elegant way to add nature to your walls. You can find botanical prints in various styles, from vintage to modern.
Use botanical wallpaper or fabric in your home decor. Botanical wallpaper, murals, and fabric can add a touch of botanical design to any room in your home. Use them to create an accent wall in your living room or to upholster a chair or sofa.
Create a terrarium or kokedama. Terrariums and kokedamas are small, enclosed gardens perfect for adding a touch of nature to your home. They are also relatively easy to care for.
Add fresh flowers to your home regularly. Fresh flowers are a beautiful and affordable way to add natural elements to your home. Place them in a vase on your coffee or dining table, or give them to a friend.
Plant an herb garden in your kitchen. Herb gardens are a great way to add fresh herbs to your cooking and a touch of botanical design to your kitchen. You can plant herbs in pots on your windowsill or in a raised bed in your backyard.
Grow a vertical garden on your wall. Vertical gardens are a great way to add botanical design to small spaces. They can be created using various materials, such as wooden pallets or PVC pipes.
Create a living wall in your home. Living walls are extensive, vertical gardens that can add a touch of biophilic design to any room in your home. They are typically created using a variety of plants, mosses, and other materials.
Add a water feature to your home, such as a fountain or birdbath. Water features add a touch of tranquility and natural beauty to any home. They can also be used to attract birds and other wildlife.
Use natural materials in your home decor, such as wood, stone, and bamboo. Natural materials can help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. They can also add a touch of botanical design to your decor.
Bring the outdoors in with large windows and skylights. Large windows and skylights allow you to enjoy natural light and views of the outdoors from inside your home. This can help create a connection to nature and enhance your home.
Use natural light to your advantage when decorating your home. Natural light can help to make your home feel more spacious and airy. It can also highlight the botanical design elements in your home.
Use colors in your home to enhance wellness. For more information about the connection between Color Psychology and Wellness, click my blog to read more.
““Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking. You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits.”
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Photo by Mary Madore-Hickey / Merze Lifestyle in Los Osos, California. This is one of my favorite walking spots.
No matter the season, you can always find beauty in nature. The healing power of nature is simply magical.
Photo by Mary Madore-Hickey / Merze Lifestyle in Connecticut
Hiking in the Northeastern part of the United States always brings me joy, especially in Autumn.
Photo by Mary Madore-Hickey / Merze Lifestyle hiking in Session Woods, Connecticut
““A walk in nature walks the soul back home.””
Photo by Mary Madore-Hickey / Merze Lifestyle off the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
Nature is home to the soul.
Photo by Mary Madore-Hickey / Merze Lifestyle in Connecticut in Autumn
Photo by Mary Madore-Hickey / Merze Lifestyle off the coast of Perth, Australia
No matter where you live, you can always find beauty in your surroundings. This lovely path brought me down to the gorgeous Indian Ocean off the shores of Perth, Australia.
My daughter overlooking that mountains in Switzerland. A picture tells a thousand stories.
Nature can help us realize that we are part of something much larger than ourselves and that our problems are not as big as we may think. This can help us to feel more grounded and at peace.
Nature can also make us feel like the whole world is ours. When the beauty of nature surrounds us, we can't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe. We can do anything, and anything is possible.
If you want to improve your wellness, I encourage you to spend more time in nature. Even a short walk in the park can make a big difference. You can also bring nature into your home by adding plants, fresh flowers, or natural materials to your decor.
Nature is our gift, and it is there for us to enjoy. So, please make time for nature today and see how it feels. You may be surprised at how much it can benefit your health and well-being. Spending Time Outdoors is Good for Your Health.
“May your home be a place where friends meet, family gathers, and love grows. ”
As with everything I post on my blogs, please feel free to comment, or if you have any questions, please email me through my contact page. I welcome it anytime!
Design with your heart™️
Happy designing, my friends!
Mary
