Promoting the healing power of nature is a principle of Naturopathic medicine that is important to put into practice. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I feel that it is an essential aspect to long term good health and happiness.
The Diverse Benefits of Connecting with Nature for Mind and Body
And now research into this very concept is showing that spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. For example, doing things like growing food or flowers, exercising outdoors, or being around animals can have many positive effects.
Spending time outdoors can improve your mood / reduce feelings of stress or anger, improve your physical health/ help you be more active and even improve your confidence and self esteem / reduce loneliness. We all have different experiences of nature and different reasons for wanting to connect with it more. You might find you get something completely different from one activity compared to someone else.
Current research is showing that bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing
Practical Support for Anxiety and Depression
Spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. For example, research into ecotherapy (a type of formal treatment which involves doing activities outside in nature) has shown it can help with mild to moderate depression. This might be due to combining regular physical activity and social contact with being outside in nature.
A 2010 study on green exercise showed nature’s healing properties can be further enhanced when combined with movement, which releases endorphins, stress reducing hormones, in the brain. In just five minutes of green exercise, study participants reported improvements in self-esteem and mood, regardless of their health status, gender, or age.
Benefits of spending time outdoors |
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improve your mood |
reduce feelings of stress or anger |
Improve your physical health |
help you be more active |
improve your confidence and self-esteem |
reduce loneliness |
Embracing the Outdoors for Mind and Body Healing
We each have unique ways of experiencing and appreciating nature and the rewards we reap can vary widely. However, the common thread is clear: time spent in nature is time well spent.
From reducing stress and improving mood to fostering physical health and building self esteem, the healing power of the outdoors is a resource we should all make an effort to tap into. So, take a moment to step outside, breathe in the fresh air and let nature work its magic on your mind and body.
Spending time outdoors can improve your mood, help you be more active and even improve your confidence and self esteem
A Core Principle of Naturopathic Medicine for Lasting Health and Wellbeing
In a world where stress, disconnection and chronic illness are increasingly common, embracing the healing power of nature offers a simple yet profoundly effective path to restoration. As Naturopathic Doctors, we are uniquely positioned to guide our patients toward practices that nurture both body and mind and nature is a vital part of that equation.
Whether through ecotherapy, green exercise, or simply making space for a daily walk in the park, reconnecting with the natural world is not just a pleasant pastime but a foundational strategy for achieving long term health and happiness. By consciously integrating nature into our lives and healthcare approaches, we not only honor one of naturopathic medicine’s core principles, vis medicatrix naturae the healing power of nature, but also empower our patients to rediscover balance, vitality and a deeper sense of wellbeing.
Step into better health with Aspire Natural Health! Experience the proven benefits of being outdoors for your mind and body. Our naturopathic doctors can help you reconnect with nature and create a personalized plan for lasting wellness. Contact Aspire Natural Health today and start your journey to vibrant health!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does spending time outdoors benefit mental health?
Spending time in nature can reduce anxiety, lower stress levels, boost mood and improve self esteem and overall well being. Research shows that exposure to green spaces helps regulate stress hormones and supports mental resilience.
2. Can being outdoors help with depression and anxiety?
Yes, ecotherapy and green exercise have been shown to help with mild to moderate depression and anxiety by combining physical activity, social contact and the calming effects of nature.
3. What physical health benefits are associated with being in nature?
Time spent outdoors can lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, strengthen immunity, enhance sleep quality and promote faster recovery from illness or stress.
4. Are there unique benefits for children who spend time outdoors?
Yes, outdoor time for children can lower stress, improve focus, increase physical activity, support social skills, boost creativity and enhance resilience and confidence.
5. How does connecting with nature align with naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the healing power of nature, recognizing the body’s innate ability to heal. Integrating nature into daily life supports holistic health, both physically and mentally and is a core principle of naturopathic care.
Conclusion
Spending time outdoors is a powerful, evidence backed way to support both mental and physical health. Nature exposure reduces stress, improves mood, enhances cognitive function and fosters resilience.
Whether through ecotherapy, outdoor exercise, or simply enjoying green spaces, connecting with nature is a foundational strategy for long term well being. Embracing the healing power of nature, as advocated in naturopathic medicine, empowers individuals to restore balance, vitality and happiness in an increasingly stressful world.
