Although it should come naturally!, scientific research shows us that nature-based recreation and spending time in natural environments significantly benefits our emotional and physical wellbeing. This research is shown across all age groups, including youth, adolescents, the elderly and those with mental and physical health issues. These activities contribute to both our physical and mental health and in a number of ways, leading to a reduction in disease and increase in longevity.
Lower Stress and Anxiety Nature-based activities, including gardening, have been shown to lower stress and anxiety levels. A study in Health & Place found that interacting with nature can reduce cortisol levels, a biomarker of stress, and improve overall mental well-being (Ulrich et al., 1991).
Improve Mood Being in nature has been associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression. Research published in The Journal of Positive Psychology highlights that spending time in natural environments can lead to significant improvements in mood and decreased feelings of depression (Berman et al., 2012).
Enhance Cognitive Function Time spent in natural settings has been linked to better cognitive function and attention. A study in Psychological Science found that nature exposure can improve attention span and cognitive performance, likely due to the restorative effects of natural environments (Berman et al., 2008).
Better Sleep Exposure to natural light and outdoor activities can regulate circadian rhythms and improve sleep quality. Research in Sleep Medicine Reviews indicates that spending time in natural light helps to synchronize the body’s internal clock, leading to better sleep patterns (Chellappa et al., 2011).
Improve Physical Health Engaging in gardening and other nature-based activities increases physical activity, which is linked to numerous health benefits, including lower risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. A study published in Preventive Medicine found that gardening is associated with higher levels of physical activity and better physical health outcomes (Pretty et al., 2005).
Enhance Immune Function Exposure to natural environments has been shown to improve immune function. Research published in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine demonstrates that spending time in natural settings can enhance the body’s immune response, potentially reducing the incidence of illnesses (Lee et al., 2015).
Holistic Health Improvement Combining physical activity with nature exposure, such as through gardening, integrates physical exercise with mental relaxation. Studies show that this combination can lead to overall improvements in health, including better mood, reduced stress, enhanced physical fitness and longevity (Thompson Coon et al., 2011).
