This could be a generational thing, but does everybody remember when we were kids, and their parents or other adults would tell of the kids to go play outside?

We need to go back to following that direction. We need to play outside.

Now, I know for the adults, we may not be playing tag, or hide and seek anymore, but time outdoors is just as important for our wellbeing.

According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests regular exposure to time in nature or outdoors can have positive effects for improving the following:

The article also suggests people that live around more “greenery” or nature are more likely to participate in an active lifestyle or exercise. This makes sense. If you have a beautiful view, it draws you to get outside and move your body. The regular access to trees, plants and sun has been shown to reduce the risk of depression or reduce the symptoms of depression in children, teens and adults.

Another study published by the European Journal of Forest Research correlates that time in nature improved mental health during the Covid 19 Pandemic. This study discusses forest bathing. Don’t worry, forest bathing is not what you may be thinking. It doesn’t involve removing clothes in the woods. Forest bathing is an Asian practice of “silently walking through nature with the awareness of the senses while connecting to nature.” This practice is intended to provide a sense of peace, relaxation and stress relief. Enjoying the presence of nature can have positive effects on our mind, body and spirit. This study picked people from major cities that are heavily impacted by the Covid pandemic. They compared the effects of those practicing forest bathing and people hiking during this time. The majority of the people experienced lower cortisol levels (stress hormones) with time in nature. Interestingly, the women had the greatest positive effects on mental health symptoms (anxiety and depression) compared to the men. It goes to show that nature can be implemented as a part of a mental health treatment plan or to prevent mental health issues. The beauty of time in nature is that it is typically an affordable activity to fit into everyone’s budget.

We know many people don’t live in rural or remote locations with access to ample vast areas of trees, plants and grass. The good news is that many cities have specific sites where people can pause and enjoy some time in nature. Some major cities have created designated “green areas” or parks within their cities. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a great example of this. Philadelphia offers some green spaces and parks built in within the city so people can enjoy some quality time with some trees and grass without having to go far from home. Some well-known areas are Washington Square, Fairmount Park, and FDR Park.

What are some activities we can do in nature? Here is a large list of outdoor activities that just about anyone can find something to fit into their lives! 🙂

I hope you find the time and activity in nature that works for you. There are many ways to boost your mental health and self-care while breathing in some fresh air.

Let’s close out this post with a poem called, Let’s Step Outside.

Let’s Step Outside

Let’s take a step outside

See the world big and wide

Sit and watch the birds sing and fly

Let nature answer your questions of “why?”

Let the warmth of the sun relax and energize

Turn off technology’s distractions and close your eyes

Listen to nature’s sounds. The birds’ chirp and the bees buzz.

Breathe in the fresh air just because

It fills up the body and soul.

Chipmunks crafted each intricate hole.

Leaving a map of where they came and went.

Breathe in the flowers’ calming scent.

Come on, take a step outside.

Sit down and enjoy nature’s ride.

-Raechel “Rael Thymes” ©️ 2024