We all know how good getting out into nature can be for us. Be it the local park, the countryside or in our gardens.
Positive side-effects
In a review of the research, Gregory Bratman, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Washington, and colleagues shared evidence that contact with nature is associated with increases in happiness, subjective well-being, positive affect, positive social interactions and a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as decreases in mental distress (Science Advances, Vol. 5, No. 7, 2019).
Just two hours a week
A study conducted in the UK found people who had spent at least two hours a week in nature had significantly better health. In addition, people with chronic health problems felt better if they got a 2-hour dose of nature. All in one go or spread across the week. It seems the more time we connect with nature, the more we feel compelled to protect it. Research has also concluded spending time in nature makes us kinder people.
Reduces chronic conditions
Staying close to nature as often as possible help improves conditions like hypertension, cardiac illness and chronic pain. It also enhances emotional well-being and alleviates feelings of social isolation. In addition, it helps individuals suffering from mental health conditions like attention disorders, mood disorders, and different forms of anxiety.
Just the sounds of nature
Research has also revealed that just the sounds of nature seem to have health benefits. Listening to natural sounds like birds singing and waves crashing helped the brain to relax and function better. As opposed to listening to sounds like traffic and chatter in a café. So if you can’t get out into the green open spaces listening to a recording of natural sounds helps.
Positive effects on children
Other research shows getting children outside into the greenery leaves a lasting positive impression. Children who lived in areas with more green spaces had a reduced risk of many psychiatric disorders later in life. These included depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and substance use disorder. While children deprived of such spaces during childhood had an increased risk of developing mental illness was 55% higher.
Being out in winter
Getting out into the green spaces and making the most of the fresh air in winter is important. Enough UVs, even on dull winter days, are important. Our homes and offices have become more efficiently sealed up over the years. As fuel prices go up, homes rarely get aired properly in winter. Internal air pollution can come from chemical fragrances in air fresheners, fragrant candles, and cleaning products. Many products contain volatile organic compounds (VOC); these chemicals evaporate into the air at room temperature.
Home air pollution
Consider eco or low-VOC paints, new furniture, fabrics and carpets when changing your decor. It’s important to remove mould and figure out its cause. Avoid aerosols and definitely remove air fresheners; use only naturally scented products in your home. A home polluted with chemicals can cause feelings of being off-colour, headaches and/or tiredness. It might not be due to the winter blues but the winter pollution levels in our home. Consider all the chemical fragrances and cleaning products in your home and start changing to natural products.
