Three Benefits to Spending More Time in Nature (and Why You Want to Make it a Core Wellbeing Goal)

One thing that is guaranteed to make us feel better - even when we don’t think we feel like it, is time in nature. Getting outside and nurturing connections with nature - in all its forms, brings measurable benefits for mental health, physical health, and overall life meaning.

Sure, you’ve heard buzz phrases like “forest bathing in Japan.” But what does that really mean and how can we translate intentions to get outdoors into action when we are spending all our time rushing from one demand to another? Read on for three compelling reasons and real-world ideas to make nature a wellbeing priority right now.

Boost Mental Health by Bonding with Nature

Study after study reveals time outdoors - especially immersed in nature - reliably reduces anxiety, depression, stress and other mood disorders. Whether that is green spaces (parks, forests, gardens, mountains) or blue spaces (lakes, rivers, canals, sea) there is clear evidence of benefits to mental health and wellbeing.

This means getting outside can work wonders to calm worried minds. The key is to find ways to fit this into your everyday life. Sometimes this might look like ~

• getting onto your balcony for five minutes whilst you drink your morning coffee,

• going for a run or a walk.

• On days off, or longer summer evenings you might make longer, more purposeful trips to the park, forests, beaches, or mountains.

They all help.

Setting yourself regular goals can shift good intentions into action that can make a difference.

Support Physical Health Through Outdoor Activity

Beyond soothing emotions, pursuing outdoor challenges also pays dividends for heart health, immunity, healthy ageing and more. Hiking, biking, canoeing, swimming, or golfing all stimulate coordination and cognition far better than gym machines.

And studies confirm people who spend time outdoors enjoy boosted energy, improved cognitive function and brain activity, lower blood pressure, better mental health, physical activity and sleep - all key ingredients of wellbeing!

Getting into nature provides a workout with built-in scenery! Trade being stuck inside a gym for energising goals like:

- Revamping your garden

- Joining your local parkrun for a weekly 5k walk or jog (you will never be last - they have a dedicated volunteer role to be the last person home. And yes, you absolutely can walk!)

- Join a local health or Nordic walk to meet new people and explore new places

- Find a local slow way to explore

- See if there is a local outdoor bootcamp

Awaken Meaning & Inspiration Through Nature

Finally, opening our senses to the wonders of nature feeds our souls too.

🌳Slow down and really notice what is around you. Listen to the birds sing, or the leaves rustle on the trees. Notice the colours of the leaves and flowers as the seasons change.

🌳Touch the leaves and flowers and notice if they are spiky or soft. Smell how nature changes after rain, or as seasons change. Watching clouds drift, birds soar or leaves unfurl touches spiritual chords passed down over generations.

What’s more, research shows awe in general makes people more generous, curious and connected — all hallmarks of thriving lives. Where better to find regular awe than nature’s endless marvels, no two sunsets the same!

Set yourself a nature goal

However you currently connect with nature, I hope these ideas stirred motivation to get outside more with intention.

What goals can you set to get more time outside as part of your regular routine? Remember, setting effective goals can be the difference between success and failure.

Want more support as you navigate how to create a meaningful and successful goal for spending time in nature? Check out the other blog posts in this series:

Part 1: Feeling Stuck? Set Intentions, Not Just Goals, to Re-Energize Your Wellbeing Journey

Part 2: Are You using your goals as a way to beat yourself up? Try consistency instead of perfection

Part 3: Are you being too easy - or hard - on yourself? Find the goldilocks zone for goals.

Searching for additional support?

If you’re looking for additional support in your journey to creating better wellbeing habits, my 1:1 coaching could be a good fit for you!

Together we’ll deep dive into where you are with your wellbeing habits at the moment and most importantly discuss where you would like to get to.

We work together to set meaningful - and achievable - goals and set you up with the knowledge and skills you need to keep going after our time together finishes.

Book a no obligation free insight call here.