5 ways to increase mood by using nature

In today's fast-paced and stressful world, many people struggle with maintaining a positive mood. The constant demands of work, relationships, and everyday responsibilities can take a toll on our mental well-being. In this article we'll highlight the benefits of using nature for mood.

Table of Contents:

• Role of nature

• 1. Walk in the park

• 2. Forest bathing

• 3. Gardening therapy

• 4. Meditate outdoors

• 5. Get sunlight

• Summary

We are part of nature, even though we've tried to distance ourselves with urban living and high tech environments. With the increase of noise pollution, air pollution in inner cities it becomes increasingly more difficult to become relaxed and reduce our stress levels. Therefore, it only makes sense to seek elsewhere and get a break from the high-stimulating inner city life.

One major component to become more relaxed is to embrace nature. Here are five proven ways to harness the healing properties of nature:

1. Take a walk in the park: Spending time in green spaces has been linked to improving mood and reduced stress levels. Research shows that exposure to nature stimulates feelings of calmness and relaxation. So schedule a time-out from urban city life and take a walk in the nearest park or wherever you feel like going.
   Bonus tip: If you really want to immerse yourself from urban life for a day or two, then perhaps consider doing backcamping with your partner, family/friends for a weekend or so. In addition, if you have a tent, it's a great option, if not and you want to consider getting one, then perhaps consider this sustainable and eco friendly tent
   

2. Practice forest bathing: The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, involves immersing yourself in nature by mindfully experiencing the sights, smells, and sounds of a forest. Studies have shown that forest bathing can lower cortisol levels and boost overall well-being. This tip might not be for everyone, so if you're very comfortable then go ahead, but if not the other tips here might be helpful.
   

3. Gardening therapy: Engaging in gardening activities has been found to have numerous therapeutic benefits. It promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and improves mood by connecting us with the natural world. Not all people have a garden so this might be a 50/50 solution. If you live in a house then it's a low hanging fruit option, (no pun intended), since it's basically in your home. However, if you have any colleagues from work, or one of your classmates or teammates from school has a garden, you can ask if you can get a chance to participate in their garden. They probably won't say no to additional help.
   

4. Meditate outdoors: Combining the benefits of meditation with exposure to nature amplifies its positive effects. Find a peaceful spot outdoors, close your eyes, and focus on your breath while immersing yourself in the sounds and sensations of nature, such as birds singing etc. Meditation doesn't have to for long, it can be 5 minutes, 10 - 15 minutes or whenever you feel like it. Try breathing more through your nose to get into a more relaxed state, this will give your body the signal that it's relaxed.
   

5. Get sunlight: The above tools are indirectly related to sunlight exposure. Sunlight has been proven to increase releases of serotonin levels in the brain. This is a chemical related to boosting mood and helping us feel more calm and focused. Usually in the early hours of the day when one wakes up can increase alertness while also helping in releasing melatonin in the evening which helps us sleep better, which ultimately affects our mood. It's advised to be out in the early hours of the day before noon, because of the strong irradiation that happens usually right after noon.
   

Summary
Our connection to nature goes beyond personal well-being; it is also essential for the health of our planet. By preserving nature, we play an important role in maintaining a sustainable ecosystem and protecting biodiversity. The consequences of losing natural habitats are substantial, affecting not only countless species but also our own existence as humans. Choosing an eco friendly life and sustainable life style, not only helps our planet, but clearly shows benefits such as mood, and many others.

Sources:

1. Green Space and Stress: Evidence from Cortisol Measures in Deprived Urban Communities" - Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24002726/

2. "Forest Bathing and Its Effect on Cortisol Levels" - Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine - https://environhealthprevmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1007/s12199-009-0086-9

3. "Therapeutic Benefits of Gardening Activities: A Systematic Review" - Complementary Therapies in Medicine - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6334070/

4. "The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation in Nature on Self-Reported Well-Being" - Journal of Happiness Studies - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226691610_Self-Reported_Mindfulness_Mediates_the_Relation_Between_Meditation_Experience_and_Psychological_Well-Being

5. "Biodiversity Loss Threatens Human Well-Being" - PLOS Biology - https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.0040277

6. Pathwayshealth.org - https://pathwayshealth.org/hospice-topics/sunlight-can-lift-your-mood-but-exercise-caution/