How to Enjoy Nature to Improve Mental Health

We are getting accustomed to staying indoors and for many of us, our tasks and work are mostly done at home. There is nothing wrong with being indoors, in fact, it can be relaxing, and being in a comfortable environment can help with confidence. However, a downside to being indoors all the time is that we might feel separated from nature and the outdoors.

Even if you are not an outdoor type of person, it is still important that we leave the house to get some fresh air and some sunlight. Being in nature and spending some time outdoors can do us a lot of good because it can help improve both our mental and physical health. The best part is that you do not have to book the entire day to reap the perks of being outdoors, all you need is a few minutes of your time. You can choose to do pretty much anything, just as long as you are close to nature but here are a few ideas on what you can do. 

Gardening

If you have the space for a garden, it is highly recommended that you start one because it is so beneficial to your mental health. Research has shown that gardening can help lower stress, eases depression, and nourishes the senses. Overall, gardening is such a soothing hobby, and not only can all that greenery calm the mind, but it can also clean the air. Another thing about gardening is that it is so fulfilling to be able to care for and tend to nature. What can be better than giving some love to the trees and plants that provide us with fresh oxygen?

Visit the beach

There is just something about the beach that is calming and serene, which is why many people enjoy visiting it when they have free time. If you’re not into swimming, just put on some Crocs or any other beach shoes and take a walk along the shore. Maybe dip your feet a little in the water to cool them down. Whatever it is that you do, the beach is surely one place in nature that has a calming effect on people.

Visit the park

What if you don’t live near the beach? What if you are in a suburban neighborhood? Then, a great place to go is the park. Even if you live in the city, you can always find a small park to visit and walk around. You can take a leisure stroll, do some stretches, and even meditate at the park. You can go there by yourself, with a friend, a loved one, or even your pets. A park is also a great place for those who enjoy biking. Just grab your bicycles, go for a spin around the park and let that cool wind blow through your hair. Another great thing you can do at the park has a bite to eat while being surrounded by nature. You can pack a simple lunch for one or invite your loved ones to a picnic with your favorite snacks and drinks. Just remember to not make a mess and do not litter.

Go hiking/trekking

Some people enjoy going on hikes or trekking once a week or every two weeks, as a hobby. There are many benefits to hiking and trekking and yes, that includes improving your mental health. Going on hikes allows you to be active and as mentioned before, all that greenery can have a calming effect on the mind. Not only that, but brands like Decathlon make colorful jackets and equipment, so your hiking trips won’t be so dull. However, it is important to remember that going on a hike does not mean you have to tire yourself out, so take it easy and know when to stop and take a break. If possible, plan out your journey to suit your abilities to avoid any discomfort or injury.

Conclusion

There are a few misconceptions that being in nature and going outside means you must be active, or you need to be doing some tiring activity but that is not the case. You can always just take it slow and go at your own pace. Remember to gauge how you are feeling and your current state. If you start feeling overwhelmed, then just pause and take a breather. It is all about you and improving yourself so there is no need to feel like you need to keep up or compete with other people. Just focus on yourself and keep in mind the benefits of being in nature.