3 Ways You Can Benefit From Nature

Weekends offer a great opportunity to get out in nature, assuming you don’t have to work. I find that spending time outside is a great way to relax after a stressful week – and generally leads to creative stimulation too.

Studies indicate that spending time in nature has numerous benefits. Here are a few ways to make the most of it.

Take a Walk in Nature

Research has shown that taking a walk in nature is more restorative than walking in urban environments, and can help ease mental fatigue Even looking at nature out a window, or at pictures of the countryside, can be relaxing.

However, if you live in a city, you can still find green spaces and water with a little investigation. Nature always finds a way…

Get away from buildings and enjoy a restful escape from other people to help ease a tired mind.

Get Mindful

Studies abound on the benefits of mindfulness, and taking a more mindful approach to life is becoming a hot business topic, with stressed professionals turning to apps such as Calm.

Regardless of whether you call it mindfulness or simply ‘focussing on what you’re doing’, nature offers a great way to immerse yourself in the moment.

I find feeding the birds is a great way to escape any  thoughts and take a break from anything but ‘being’. And the birds are grateful too – particulately at this time of year.

Head for the Forest

Getting out into the woods has been linked to lower cortisol levels. Known as forest bathing in Japan, research suggests a monthly trip provides optimal benefits. Other research suggests spending time with trees can lower inflammation. If you go down to the woods today, you may well get more benefits than exercise alone.