10 Huge Reasons to Spend More Time With Nature

When nature is willing to freely give us so many reasons to spend time outdoors, why not take advantage of it? The great outdoors isn’t just considered great because of its vast expanses of lush greens, clear blue waters, and snow-capped mountains to explore. Nature is considered great because of all the undeniable health benefits it provides for us.

As a creature of comfort, I like to stick to my routines, and that doesn’t always include spending time with nature. It just makes perfect sense to kick back and rest after a long day of living. But, what if I told you that you could rest and enjoy a side of stress release among other things – just by stepping outdoors? It’s not magic – it’s science (although, as a Harry Potter fan, I’d be lying if I said I don’t believe in magic). That’s right nature’s benefits are scientifically proven to help you!

This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Read the full disclosure here. Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this blog post are not meant to cure seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health-related illnesses.

10 Huge Reasons to Spend More Time with Nature

Nature’s benefit on our mental and physical well-being is endless. There are plenty of studies to prove that Nature is therapy. Nature therapy is often referred to as green therapy or ecotherapy and has plenty of health benefits for our body and mind.

We’re often busy with this or that and as they say, we don’t take enough time to “stop and smell the roses.” It’s not a myth, being outside is actually good for you, and here are 10 reasons to spend more time with nature.

1. Nature can help you destress

Studies have found that by exposing yourself to natural environments you can reduce psychological stress. Many of us either don’t believe in or make time for a healthy self-care routine. If you want to truly reset and recharge then stop defaulting to our TV, phone, or laptop. Instead, step outdoors and spend a little uninterrupted time with yourself.

2. Nature can provide an exercise platform

If you want to do more than sit outdoors, then tap into the benefits of walking in nature. Along with exercise, you’ll be inhaling actual oxygen from your surroundings; that isn’t just recycled sweaty air from an indoor gym. I’m not knocking the gym goers at all (you do, you boo). I’m simply encouraging you to get more exercise but do it outdoors – from activities such as rock climbing, hiking, biking, swimming, leisurely walks, or runs – your options are limitless. If the weather is warm, move your workout routine outdoors. During warmer months, I like to move my yoga mat, dumbbells, and smart skipping rope outside. I find it far more relaxing than being indoors.

3. Nature forces you to spend quality time with loved ones

Create special memories with outdoor activities that you and your family will remember for years to come. Many of my favorite memories growing up consisted of riding my bike and going to the park with my mom. We sometimes overlook the importance of spending quality time with loved ones. Even a simple catch-up with a friend or sitting outside admiring the sunset is not only helpful to your wallet, but you’ll also feel healthier for it. Maybe family quality time outdoors isn’t all that important to you and that’s okay. Start with yourself. Spend time with yourself outdoors instead. Allow yourself to be nurtured by nature.

4. Nature is a giver of travel

Nature provides you with the opportunity to explore its incredible beauty. When I travel, I like to see and be in spaces that are naturally made. I find joy in staring into the endless water flow from Niagara Falls, floating in the dead sea, swimming with turtles in the magical waters of Hawaii, and exploring the diverse ecosystem of Banff and Jasper National Park.

5. Nature powers up your brain

Boost your cognition by spending time with nature. Researchers have discovered that an ample 20-minute stroll through a city garden can increase your cognition and memory as well as improve feelings of well-being.

Another reason nature is the answer is that nature will help you take better care of your mental health. Studies show that nature can provide some relief to people with anxiety and depression.

6. Nature can nurture

Have you ever heard the phrase you grow through what you go through? You grow through what you go through meaning differs to all of us but in my opinion, it means we learn through what we are faced with in life. Think back to the moments where you felt immense hardships and struggles – did it help to be indoors? I find that being indoors when I’m going through the blues or feeling in a slump, makes me feel worse.

7. Nature provides us with natural healing

All of us need that Vitamin D (that’s what she said). Seriously, though the vitamin D you get from being outdoors is necessary for building and maintaining healthy bones. I take a vitamin D supplement during the winter months, even though I step outdoors daily because there just isn’t enough sunshine to go around. Along with vitamin D drops, I like to use my sun lamp in the winter months to help with seasonal depression.

To supplement the vitamin D you consume, welcome sunlight exposure – but don’t forget the sunscreen. 

8. Nature provides an unlimited supply of fresh air

When you’re with nature, the fresh air you breathe has a handful of benefits. Air indoors < Air outdoors. I am assuming that if you’re reading this blog post, you have access to fresh air – speaking from a place of privilege. Fresh air helps you digest food better, improves your blood pressure and heart rate among other things. I’m not going to get into the scientific explanation behind the how and why of the impacts of fresh air, I’m sure google can help you find those answers. I’m just here to tell you that fresh air has a whole host of health benefits.

9. Nature is good for your eyes

There is growing evidence that suggests that lack of sunlight can impair your vision and affect overall eyesight. So, grab protective sunglasses, and get outside. Just don’t go outside and stare directly into the sun – eye damage isn’t the goal here. Rather, the takeaway here is to spend quality time with the sun.

10. Nature gives freely

It’s free. I mean, to be fair, there are spaces you have to pay to get in or near but hear me out – the money often goes into preserving and maintaining these natural wonders. Stepping outside into your backyard, front yard, or even balcony – often comes with benefits. By stepping outside, you’re welcoming a peaceful, relaxing, beautiful, form of self-care.

It’s crucial to our overall wellness to stop overlooking the importance of nature in our life. I know I’m guilty of hauling up indoors, especially when it gets cold, and to be frank my biggest outdoor motivator is my dog, Dobby (ikyk). Before Dobby, I still managed to get myself out the door to destress from work. I’d go on weekend hikes, explore my neighborhood, or meet up with loved ones for nature walks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to spend time in nature? 

I’m glad you asked. There are so many ways to spend time in nature that doesn’t involve breaking the bank. Start with going for a walk in your neighborhood or visiting parks in your area. A lot of cities have bike rentals available at your leisure or you can opt to take it slow and sit by beach waters. If you don’t have beach access, then why not go for a hike? Do some research into what’s available in your hometown or ask around for recommendations and take flight!

What are psychological benefits of spending time in nature?

The psychological benefits in nature include but are not limited to helping people with anxiety and depression. Nature helps lower stress, boosts your mood, and improves attention. Just by walking in nature, you can shift your mood. By experiencing natural environments you can improve working memory and cognitive flexibility.

What is green therapy?

Green therapy is also referred to as ecotherapy which is an umbrella term for nature-based healing. Nature therapy is the practice of immersing yourself in nature to help you grow and heal. Green therapy often involves the support of a trained professional but in general, a green environment to explore and appreciate your surroundings is a good start. Spending time with nature is good for your mental health and overall wellness.

Does spending time in nature provide healing energy?

As someone who believes in all types of energy and energy transfer between living things, I think nature provides healing energy. It’s not just a way of thinking, many studies prove there is healing power in nature. Not too long ago, I was trying to manage anxiety and depression by spending more time outdoors; coupled with therapy, nature was a helping hand in managing my mental health.

Why is it important to spend time outdoors?

It is important to spend time outdoors for all the reasons that I have mentioned above. I would say have a good read-through of this blog post and draw your conclusions by changing your routine to include more time in nature.

Disclaimer: The purpose of my blog is to assist people in making changes in their lives through supportive guidance. This blog’s information is based on my life experience and sources credited in each post. By reading my blog, you acknowledge that I am not a licensed psychologist, medical doctor, or health care professional. My services do not replace the care of psychologists, doctors, or other healthcare professionals.

A dose of green therapy just might be what you need to make an impactful change in your life. There’s no pressure to make a drastic shift in your routine to accommodate more time outdoors. Instead, start with spending 5 technology-free minutes outside, a few times a week, and then increase it as you see fit. Yes, life can get busy, but I hope these 10 huge reasons to spend more time outdoors have convinced you to take better care of your health. 

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What is your favorite way to spend time with nature?