By Ollie Donovan
The Urban Disconnect
In the United States the average 16 year old spends 7 hours 22 minutes on their phone every day.1 In today's hyper connected world it is more vital now more so than ever to take a break for both physical and mental wellbeing. As urbanization and digitalization advance, I find myself spending more time indoors and tethered to screens. The consequences of this disconnect from nature are not only ecological but also psychological. Stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are on the rise, and experts believe that our separation from the natural world is a contributing factor. Disconnecting from the notifications, information, likes, messages, and everything else is key for recharging. Of all studies done on the relationship between the effect of nature and mental health, 98% of them led to a self reported quality of life increase by at least 4%.2
Nature's Healing Touch
Spending time in natural environments, whether it's a forest, a park, a beach, or simply a backyard garden, has been shown to have a range of positive effects on mental health:
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Reduced Stress: Nature provides a serene and tranquil setting that promotes relaxation, lowers stress hormones, and eases tension.
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Enhanced Mood: Exposure to greenery is associated with improved mood, increased feelings of happiness, and decreased symptoms of depression.
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Boosted Creativity: Nature sparks creativity and problem-solving abilities, allowing individuals to think more clearly and creatively.
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Increased Mindfulness: Being in nature encourages mindfulness, promoting a focus on the present moment and reducing rumination on past or future worries.
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Better Concentration: Time spent in natural settings has been shown to improve attention and cognitive function, particularly in children.3
Scientific Validation
Numerous studies have provided scientific validation for the therapeutic benefits of nature. Research published in the journal "Nature Neuroscience" found that a 90-minute walk in a natural environment reduced activity in the amygdala significantly. They also studied the effect of a 90 minute urban walk on the brain, but found no similar changes within the amygdala.4
Prescribing Nature
Recognizing the potential mental health benefits, some healthcare providers are now "prescribing" nature as part of treatment plans. This practice, known as ecotherapy or nature therapy, involves guided outdoor activities aimed at improving psychological well-being. Nature therapy is prescribed in 35 US states, and has proved to be very effective, as a part of addressing psychological conditions such as depression.5
Community Initiatives
Even very urban industrialized areas often have significant space dedicated to nature. New York City is home to over 20,000 acres of green spaces.6 Communities worldwide are taking steps to ensure that green spaces are readily accessible to residents. Initiatives include the creation of urban parks, green rooftops, and community gardens, all of which offer opportunities for people to connect with nature close to home. New innovations are being created every year to further your access to green spaces, so you might as well use them, and get involved.
The Path Forward
As society continues to grapple with mental health challenges, it's clear that reconnecting with nature can be a powerful tool for improving mental well-being. Incorporating regular doses of nature into our lives, whether through daily walks, weekend hikes, or gardening, can offer a simple yet effective way to counter the stresses of modern living and nurture our mental health.
In a world where the pace of life seems to be ever-accelerating, nature remains a timeless and accessible source of solace, healing, and inspiration. So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed or in need of a mental boost, consider taking a walk in the park, inhaling the scent of flowers, or simply basking in the beauty of the natural world around you. Nature's therapy is waiting, and it's free for all who seek it.
Work Cited:
1Jacobo, Julia. "Teens spend more than 7 hours on screens for entertainment a day: Report." ABC News, 29 October 2019, 2:06 PM, https://abcnews.go.com/US/teens-spend-hours-screens-entertainment-day-report/story?id=66607555.
2Nejade, Rachel M, Daniel Grace, and Leigh R Bowman. "What is the impact of nature on human health? A scoping review of the literature." J Glob Health, vol. 12, 2022, p. 04099, Published online 16 Dec 2022, doi: 10.7189/jogh.12.04099. PMC9754067, PMID: 36520498.
3"How can nature benefit my mental health?" Mind, 2021, https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/.
4Sudimac, S., Sale, V. & Kühn, S. How nature nurtures: Amygdala activity decreases as the result of a one-hour walk in nature. Mol Psychiatry 27, 4446–4452 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-022-01720-6
5Li Q. Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environ Health Prev Med. 2010 Jan;15(1):9-17. doi: 10.1007/s12199-008-0068-3. PMID: 19568839; PMCID: PMC2793341.
6Natural Areas Conservancy. "What We Do." https://www.naturalareasnyc.org/what-we-do/.