Let nature heal you

From lowering our heart rates to making us kinder, spending time in the great outdoors can have brilliant benefits for mind, body and wellbeing

Discover further mental and physical health gains in the great outdoors

DAYLIGHT HELPS US SLEEP BETTER

The stress of the past year has seen our sleep patterns shift all over the place, but one simple fix to getting better shut-eye is by stepping outside. Besides the mood boost that comes from spending time outdoors, natural, full-spectrum light can help reset our body clock to improve sleep and counter depression. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

FRESH AIR CAN BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY

Next time you’re walking in the woods, particularly among pine trees, be sure to take a deep breath in. Forest air contains phytoncide, an essential oil emitted by plants and trees, which protects them from harmful insects and germs. Studies have shown that when we breathe this in it increases the activity of natural killer cells (a type of white blood cell), which helps to kill virus-infected cells in our bodies.

IT’S GOOD FOR THE HEART

Research has found that listening to natural sounds, such as the rustling of leaves in the wind or the burbling of a brook, can alter our bodies sympathetic nervous system leaving us more relaxed and our heart rates lowered. Can’t get outside? Try the Nature Sounds app, which has recordings of everything from windy mountains to evening lakes, or search Spotify and Youtube playlists.

NATURE BOOSTS MENTAL HEALTH

Is your mind tied up with negative thoughts? Head to the park for a walk. A study that assigned volunteers to take a 90-minute walk in either a park or a city street found that only the park walkers reported a reduction in repetitive, depressive thoughts. They also had decreased activation in a part of the brain associated with negative thinking. While a five-year study by The Wildlife Trusts found that people who took part in an outdoor activity every day – from stargazing to smelling flowers – for 30 days, felt happier, healthier and more connected

to nature.

IT CAN HELP YOU FEEL LESS LONELY

Nearly half (45%) of adults say they feel lonely in England, but studies have shown that immersion in natural settings is linked to social bonding and stronger neighbourly ties. The government has recognised this by pledging to introduce more green spaces into communities to improve our social connections and wellbeing.

TREES MAKE US COMPASSIONATE

It’s not just tree hugging that can make us feel good. One study suggests that staring up at a tree for just a minute can make us kinder to others, as it inspires feelings of awe, proven to trigger compassion and generosity. It found those who gazed up at tall eucalyptus trees for 60 seconds expressed more generosity afterwards than those who stared up at tall buildings.

IT HELPS OUR BRAINS RESET

Spending a few days in a natural setting can tap into parts of our brain that help us to restore and relax. ‘The three-day effect’ is a term coined by neuroscientist David Strayer, who found that those who spent at least three days in the wilderness said afterwards that they could solve tasks better because their minds had been cleared of all the mental clutter.

FRESH AIR KEEPS KIDS HEALTHY

In Finland, for every 45 minutes of teaching, children receive a 15-minute break outside to help them stay focused. Studies show that even small bursts of time in nature can boost our attention spans, test scores and exercise levels, especially among girls.

So, throw open the door and see how soon your kids stop arguing and start building forts and climbing trees.

Bring the outside in

Even if you don’t have a garden, put plants on your windowsill, turn your balcony into a private garden or add a hanging plant to your wall. Plants release compounds that can help cut your stress levels and lower your blood pressure.

Put up a painting of something in your local area in your home. You’ll feel more connected to the outside world.

Ditch heavy curtains so you can see your garden. Seeing nature is important, and letting in lots of light keeps the circadian rhythm on track.