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In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities, deadlines, and liquid crystal display (LCD) screens. However, just outside our doorsteps lie the sanctuary so many of us crave – nature.

While the healing power of the great outdoors has been celebrated for centuries, modern research continues to reaffirm the benefits of time outside for our physical and mental wellbeing. By simply taking time to be in nature, you can reduce stress, boost your mood, and enhance your immune function.

Nature therapy
Nature therapy, sometimes referred to as ecotherapy or green therapy, advocates for reconnecting with the natural world to improve mental and physical health. While spending time outside will never be a cure for a disease or illness, it can be a vital contributor to the healing process.

The best part is that you don’t need elaborate excursions or grand outdoor adventures to reap the benefits. A brief stroll in a local park can be incredibly beneficial. As you immerse yourself in the serenity of nature, the stresses of daily life can dissipate, replaced by a sense of calm and tranquillity.

The benefits of nature therapy
An analytical study focusing on determining how greenspace exposure affects ones health, refer to References list included below, showed that increased greenspace exposure was associated with decreased salivary cortisol, type 2 diabetes, diastolic blood pressure, and more. Incidences of stroke, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, asthma, and coronary heart disease were also reduced.

By lowering cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, you can reduce feelings of anxiety and tension. Simply breathing in fresh air can have a profound effect on your mood, even instilling a sense of happiness and contentment. The sights and sounds of nature – the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the gentle flow of a stream – can all have a soothing effect on your senses, providing much-needed relief from the constant barrage of noise of urban living.

Moreover, exposure to sunlight helps our bodies produce vitamin D, essential for bone health and immune function. Additionally, outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, or cycling provide opportunities for exercise, improving cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Even gardening or simply sitting in a green space has been linked to lower blood pressure and improved immune response.

Taking the first steps
So, how can you start spending more time outside? Well, if you’re someone who works inside a lot, it takes a conscious effort to spend time outdoors. Start small – take your lunch break outside, sit outside after work, or (if you’re a pet parent) take your dog to a dog park on the weekends. Explore local parks, trails, or green spaces in your community. You can also take up activities that allow you to interact with nature, like birdwatching, nature photography, or hiking. Best of all, invite your friends and family to join you on your outdoor adventures.

As John Muir said, "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."

If you’re looking to live your best life, you can get started on your Tempo Fitness Journey today. You’ll get a personalised exercise plan form a licensed biokineticist, PLUS a follow-up session to monitor your progress. Get started today!  

References

The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes. National Library of Medicine. 2018. Available here.

3 ways getting outside into nature helps improve your health. UC Davis Health. 2023. Available here.

Nurtured by nature. American Psychological Association. 2020. Available here.

John Muir Quotes. AZ Quotes. Accessed 2024. Available here.