Mental Health and Earth Day: The Benefits of Nature for Anxiety
Earth Day As A Mental Health Reminder
Earth Day, a holiday that started in April 1970, was enacted to not only celebrate nature but to raise awareness for climate change, pollution issues and sustainable practices in over 193 countries. This Earth Day, we are highlighting the connection between nature and mental health.
Spending time outdoors not only positively impacts physical health, there are numerous research studies showing that it positively impacts mental health. One main impact of time outdoors is in the reduction of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Simple practices like increasing time outdoors by taking a walk around the block or going to a park are enough to significantly increase mental well-being.
The Connection Between Nature and Mental Health
There is a biological connection between humans and nature - from the circadian rhythm set by the sun to the ancestral dependence on nature for food and sustenance - we are deeply intertwined. The idea of biophilia describes humans as seeking out connection with nature for their own physical and emotional benefit.
Research shows connecting with nature leads to:
Better sleep
Improved mood
Decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression
Spending time in local green spaces, even a park in a busy city, relaxes the mind and leads to overall well-being due to the increased vitamin D, stimulating the senses naturally and walking or playing (Harvard, 2024).
How Nature Helps Reduce Anxiety
Reduces Stress and Cortisol Levels
A Harvard study found that as little as 20 minutes outdoors in a greenspace - whether it be in your backyard or a National Park - was enough to significantly lower cortisol, our body's major stress hormone (Harvard, 2019). Instead of spending 20 minutes doomscrolling and increasing cortisol, walk outside and experience how much lighter and calmer you feel afterwards. When we take in green spaces, sunlight and fresh air - our body and mind relaxes and resets.
Encourages Mindfulness
Being in nature slows us down without us even trying - sitting outside naturally leads to less screentime and spiraling in anxious thoughts because we engage many of our senses. Noticing the skyline, the shape of the clouds, the different trees and vegetation, people watching or animal watching, the smell of fresh grass and the feel of a light breeze - all of it grounds us physically and mentally and decreases symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Improves Physical Health
Aim for 20 minutes outside and you very well might find yourself out there for 30 or even an hour. A short walk turns into a mile or two and a visit to a park turns into chasing your kids or walking around a lake. Being outside engages us in exercise which directly impacts mental health by increasing oxytocin and dopamine (also called “the happiness hormones”), deepening sleep and increasing Vitamin D exposure which is a key factor in treating depression.
Simple Ways to Use Nature to Support Your Mental Health
Enjoy a Walk Outside
20 minutes outdoors is enough to boost moods- Even in very urban settings, one can walk outside and notice the sky, the wind, the sun and the few trees that might be along the sidewalk.
Picnic in a Local Greenspace
Take your meal outside (even just in the yard or tables outside the office) and enjoy natural surroundings
Practice Mindfulness Outdoors
Grounding exercises and paced breathing while outdoors can lower stress
Start a Garden
Engage the senses and enjoy fresh, nutritious food
Start the Day in Sunlight
Natural light leads to more energy and better sleep- take a quick walk outside or just open your window in the morning and spend a moment looking out
Support Your Mental Health This Earth Day
Celebrate Mother Earth and your increased well-being by spending this Earth Day outdoors - plan a park party with friends, take your kids on your favorite walking trail or eat a meal outside and enjoy the sunset - all while lowering stress and boosting your mood.
People and the planet are interconnected - the environment's positive impact on our mental health is one example of that. Small moments in nature lead to a big impact on well-being.
When Anxiety Requires More Than Nature
While spending time in nature is shown to benefit our mental health, sometimes more tools are needed to combat persistent anxiety, stress or depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidenced-based treatment for managing mood disorders and daily stress by addressing root issues and building new habits and strategies to change your mindset and behavior. If you want professional help to treat anxiety or depression - our clinicians are here to help.