The Wellness Benefits of Nature
Protecting your health, career and overall well-being is vital as a service member – and finding positive ways to manage stress and support your mental health can help you avoid risks tied to prescription drug misuse or prohibited drug use. One powerful tool for strengthening resilience and wellness is spending time in nature.
There are many wellness benefits that can come from nature. These benefits focus on spending time in natural environments as a way to improve your well-being. Well-being is closely linked to interactions with the natural world which can improve health, wellness and happiness. Along with talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, which focus on changing your thinking patterns, spending time in nature can positively support your wellbeing. Below are some examples of how nature can serve as a part of your overall wellness plan and the benefits it can offer.
Forest Bathing
Originating in Japan, forest bathing involves quietly walking and immersing oneself in the forest atmosphere.
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Horticultural Therapy
This uses gardening and plant-based activities guided by a trained therapist.
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Wilderness Therapy
This involves structured outdoor adventures, such as hiking or camping, that aim to foster personal growth and changes in behavior through experiences in nature.
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Animal-Assisted Therapy
This involves interaction with animals in a natural setting. Activities include horseback riding, caring for farm animals, or simply petting and feeding animals.
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Green Exercise
This refers to physical exercise undertaken in natural environments. Light physical activity in a green space, like walking or yoga in a park, can have significant mental health benefits.
Benefits of Nature
Reduced stress. Natural settings have a calming effect, reducing stress hormone levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. Nature helps in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Improved mood. Exposure to nature not only reduces feelings of anger and frustration but also enhances mood and emotional resilience.
Enhanced health. Activities in nature, such as hiking or gardening, increase physical activity levels, which improve cardiovascular health and physical fitness.
Increased attention. Spending time in nature has been shown to improve attention and focus.
Spiritual growth. Nature can also be a source of spiritual inspiration, providing a sense of peace and a place to reflect on personal values and life purpose.
Self-control. Activities like wilderness therapy require self-discipline and teamwork which is an important skill to develop for service members.
How to Incorporate Nature
Make it a part of your routine. Set aside time to visit parks, forests or beaches. Even urban green spaces can provide benefits.
Mindful interaction. Practice mindfulness or meditation in natural settings to enhance the benefits of the therapy.
Gardening. Start a garden or join a community garden. The act of nurturing plants can be incredibly therapeutic.
Participate in social programs. Join groups that organize outdoor activities like bird watching or hiking.
Nature as therapy, along with talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, offers a complete approach to health and well-being, highlighting the deep connection between humans and the natural world. By applying nature into your life, you can foster healthier, happier and more balanced lifestyles.