Mental Mechanics: The Impact of Nature

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Few things influence
our quality of life like
walking with nature

I was having my morning coffee outside, doing a bit of writing like always, and started really thinking about the wooded environment around me. I have been in love with the natural world my entire life. I felt compelled to create a simple haiku and post today, explaining a few of the ways nature impacts us. Few things have been proven to positively impact all dimensions of our wellness, like nature. 

A few of the many benefits are:

  • Time in nature has been shown to increase our cognitive function, memory, and overall brain function. 
  • Just 20 minutes in nature improves our ability to concentrate and has shown to reduce the need for ADHD and ADD medications in children.
  • Visits to local parks (20-30 minutes) can improve heart health and circulation, while lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • Consistent exposure to nature has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, while promoting a sense of elevated moods, joy and fulfillment.
  • Short bouts of time in nature have been shown to lower stress hormones, which are the cause of many modern health challenges in our society. 
  • Increased well-being should be a top priority for yourself and those you love. Nature is a simple, inexpensive and proven way to easily make improvements. 

Today, take a look at your relationship with nature. Are you allowing yourself a chance to truly connect with this powerful force? Whether it is a local green space or exploring a state or national forest,  you will experience many benefits by simply stepping outside. How do you benefit from the natural world? I’d love to hear from you in the comments