The Connection Between Nature and Physical Health

Spending some overdue time in nature has very long been known to have a completely positive impact on mental health, but did you know that it can also definitely benefit your physical health too? Research has shown time and time again that being in nature can really reduce stress, lower high blood pressure, boost the immune system, and improve overall well-being immensely. In this article, we will dive into and explore the absolutely astonishing connection between spending time in nature and your physical health! Then, we will discuss and discover how you can really incorporate more nature into your daily life for optimal wellness overall.

NATURE-HEALTH CONNECTION

The divine and scientific connection between spending time in nature and improving your physical health is really not just a coincidence - there is incredible scientific evidence to support this amazing link. Researchers have found in their studies that spending more time in nature can have a profoundly positive impact on various aspects of our physical and mental health. One study, that was conducted in Japan, found that focus groups who spent more time walking through a forest had much lower blood pressure and heart rate, especially compared to those who walked through an urban environment.

Another study, that was conducted in the Netherlands, fascinatingly found that the people who lived in areas with more accessible green spaces had much lower rates of cardiovascular disease and obesity overall. So, what is it about experiencing nature that has such a profound effect on our overall physical and mental health? One leading theory is that being immersed in nature helps massively to reduce overall stress levels. The beautiful sights, peaceful sounds, and alluring smells of nature can have an unbelievably calming effect on our nervous system! This leads to a decrease in overall cortisol levels, which means reduced stress. This overall reduction in stress can have a profoundly positive impact on our blood pressure! It also has a profound positive effect on overall cardiovascular health. In addition to reducing the stress, spending more time in nature has been found to help to boost our immune system. Research has shown that repeated exposure to natural environments and scenery can substantially increase the activity of the natural killer cells! These are the cells which are responsible for fighting off terrible viruses and cancer cells. This incredible boost in immune function can really help to protect against various illnesses and diseases you may encounter or even be more prone to. Overall, the sound science behind the nature and health connection is incredibly clear! By spending more time in nature, you can create a positive impact on your overall physical health.

INCORPORATING NATURE INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

If you're really looking to truly reap the full benefits of spending more time in nature, here are some incredible and straightforward tips for incorporating it into your overall daily routine:

1. Start the top of your day with a long and luxurious nature walk! Instead of immediately reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, try to take a walk outside and let yourself soak in the sights, sunlight, and beautiful sounds of nature. This will instantly help set a super positive tone for the rest of your day.

2. When creating a nature-inspired workspace, it's important to keep in mind that you want it to be peaceful, but not distracting. Especially if you work from home, or have the unique flexibility to personalize your workspace, you should consider adding different elements of nature such as green plants, natural light if you can, or even nature-themed artwork. This can really help create a super calming and overall inspiring environment.

3. When you have any breaks, take them outside: Instead of just eating at your desk or in the company cafeteria, try to find a nearby park or beautiful green space where you can really enjoy your lunch. Not only will you get yourself some fresh air and a refreshing break, but you'll also have an amazing chance to completely recharge and help yourself de-stress.