Nature and Mental Health

Reduces stress and anxiety: Nature lowers stress hormones like cortisol and helps slow your heart rate and blood pressure. It also positively influences the gut microbiome, which is closely related to mental health. Research with young children demonstrated that exposure to bacteria in nature changed the microbiome and reduced their stress response.

Boosts mood: Fresh air and greenery help increase serotonin and dopamine- neurochemicals that make you feel happier and more motivated. Sunlight also gives your body vitamin D, which is linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety.

Invites awe: Nature is a common source of awe- an experience or feeling that contributes to mental wellbeing. Awe can help us feel connected to something bigger by increasing feelings of empathy and social connection.

Increases self-confidence: Spending time in nature is linked to higher self-confidence, self-control and prosocial behaviors in children and teens. Exposure to healthy risk-taking opportunities helps build competence and resilience.

Reduces anxiety: Nature spaces provide calming, therapeutic environments that support those experiencing mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Builds resilience: Nature activates all our senses, promoting mindfulness, presence, emotional balance, and stronger mind-body connection.

Addresses trauma: For children who experience toxic stress or adverse childhood experiences, nature can act as a protective buffer. It disrupts stress responses and creates opportunity for healing and connection. Nature is increasingly being incorporated into therapeutic interventions.

Improves focus: Natural environments engage the brain’s attention through soft fascination by non-demanding stimuli like rustling leaves or clouds, which allow our directed attention system to rest and recover. This can lead to better concentration, reduced symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and better mental recovery from fatigue.

Promotes creativity: Time outdoors improves concentration, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking. For example, unstructured play in natural settings supports cognitive flexibility- the ability to think about multiple things at the same time. Time away from screens and rigid environments allows the brain to explore and come up with new ideas.

Encourages motor coordination: Outdoor environments engage both fine and gross motor skills by encouraging movements over uneven terrain, climbing, balancing, and coordination. These types of physical activities strengthen neural connections between the brain and body.

Supports learning: Outdoor play helps kids develop curiosity and imagination, improve memory retention, and build emotional resilience. Schools that incorporate nature-based learning report higher student engagement and test scores.

Encourages social connections: Green spaces encourage social interactions, which reduce loneliness and foster a sense of belonging.

Healthy aging: Access to nature supports healthy aging by reducing loneliness, increasing mobility, and improving mental sharpness in older adults.

Reduced community stress and violence: Communities with well-maintained parks and green areas see lower crime rates and stronger social bonds.

Environmental health and conservation: Connecting with nature fosters environmental stewardship encouraging people to care for their surroundings.

• Practice soft fascination- gently observe the natural world.
• Walk barefoot in grass.
• Take a walk in a local park or a tree-lined street.
• Garden or grow potted plants.
• Forest bathe- spend time in a natural setting, engaging all your senses.
• Sit outside and observe the trees, clouds, and wildlife.
• Swim in a local lake.
• Explore nature programs or nature-based activities in your area.

• Open a window and let in fresh air and natural light.
• Play nature sounds like ocean waves or bird songs.
• Add plants or nature-themed art to your space.
• Watch calming outdoor videos (e.g. kayaking or forest trails)