Eight Positive Effects of NatureFresh AirBilateral Stimulation and Improved Brain ActivityNatural Light and Vitamin DSaltwaterPhytoncidesMycobacterium VaccaeInteractions and Bonding with AnimalsCreativity and InspirationQuotes About The Positive Effects of Nature

Eight Positive Effects of Nature

Fresh Air

Bilateral Stimulation and Improved Brain Activity

Natural Light and Vitamin D

Saltwater

Phytoncides

Mycobacterium Vaccae

Interactions and Bonding with Animals

Creativity and Inspiration

Quotes About The Positive Effects of Nature

When you start to think about it, there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference between indoor air and outdoor air. Air is air, right? Well, they’re not exactly the same. There is a reason why diseases like COVID-19 spread quicker indoors, and why that first breath of fresh, outdoor air feels so good.

Contaminants pollute the air inside your home all the time, and little ventilationkeepsthose pollutants in your home. Contaminants can be anything from:

Some of these pollutants have become easier to avoid; for example, most buildings are not built with lead anymore or allow cigarette smoke. Other pollutants are harder to avoid. If you don’t have the windows open or have a ventilation system that filters out these pollutants, these invisible contaminants clog the air and make the area less healthy. Stepping outside, where these contaminants are less concentrated, feels like a relief.

Spending time outdoors feels so great because the air is likely purer. (At the very least, you may be inspired to buy an air freshener.) If you feel stuffy or foggy, that fresh air may be the trick to reset your mind!

Francine Shapiro is the founder of EMDR therapy. While the therapy is known for its use of eye movement to process trauma, Shapiro actually became inspired to develop the practice after going for a walk. She noticed that, while walking, she was able to process her memories in new ways and think of them without experiencing intense emotions. Walking in nature requiresbilateral stimulation, or moving left-to-right, back and forth. Not all EMDR treatments require patients to walk as they process their memories - some may tap their knees with their left, then right, hands, while others may squeeze a fidget cube in alternating hands.

A walk through nature doesn’t just stimulate both sides of the brain. Itincreases cognitive function. The increased blood flow to the brain during a walk has long-lasting positive effects. Regular walking has been suggested as a preventative measure for Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other conditions that affect cognitive function.

Unless you decide to go for a walk in the dark, a walk outside exposes you to natural light. Like fresh air, natural light is justbetterfor you than artificial light. Lamps and overhead lighting may help you see, but they don’t help you grow.

Exposure to natural light allows the skin to absorbVitamin D,which reduces cancer cell growth, aids in the absorption of calcium, and supports immune health. This vitamin isfree- you don’t need to buy supplements or eat food to absorb it! And with few foods containing Vitamin D, exposure to natural light isn’t just beneficial - it’s crucial.

Natural light also sets the body’s clock. Bodies contain an internal clock known as a “circadian rhythm.” Depending on the time of day, this internal clock will “strike” and signal for the release of melatonin, cortisol, or other hormones. In the evening, for example, the circadian rhythm encourages the release of melatonin to aid in sleep. Light keeps the circadian rhythm moving along or halts it - this is why experts recommend that you shut off your phone and step away from any screens two hours before bed. In the morning, however, you should expose yourself to light - preferably, natural light.

It’s not just the sun and the fresh air that positively affect our health. If you live near the beach or a saltwater pool, swimming in nature can also benefit your body and mind in many ways.Saltwaterisn’t just sodium chloride and H2O…saltwater also contains vitamins and minerals like magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium. All of these offer different health benefits, and they aren’t always found in an average diet.

Instead of supplements, try adding more time in nature to your health routine!

Don’t live near the coast? Prefer the mountains over the beach? You can still add a healthy habit into your routine through “forest bathing.” This practice can simply mean spending time in nature - but there is something special about trees and plants that “bathe” you in phytoncides.

To the naked eye, plants are plants, saltwater is saltwater, and dirt is dirt. But there is clearly so much more to nature than what we see. Dirt, for example, contains a microorganism called mycobacterium vaccae, or M. Vaccae. M. Vaccae is naturally found in soil and potentially has a long list of health benefits. Recent studies show that microorganisms can potentially reduce stress and the risk of developing multiple mental and physical illnesses. The discovery and isolation of this microorganismis still new, but shows promising results. It’s just one more reason to get out in nature and get your hands dirty!

In nature, you may find plants or you may find creatures! A walk through the dog park, a  visit to the stables, or a day spent at the farm may feel like therapy - and there’s a reason for that. Bonding with animals, whether they’re our pets or unfamiliar (but not dangerous) can offer similar effects as bonding with humans. Even better, animals can’t say things that annoy you! If you would like to add some animal interaction to your time in nature, consider bringing your pet on a walk or volunteering at your local animal shelter.

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Reference this article:Practical Psychology. (2022, December).8 Positive Effects of Nature.Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/positive-effects-of-nature/.Practical Psychology. (2022, December). 8 Positive Effects of Nature. Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/positive-effects-of-nature/.Copy

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Practical Psychology. (2022, December).8 Positive Effects of Nature.Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/positive-effects-of-nature/.Practical Psychology. (2022, December). 8 Positive Effects of Nature. Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/positive-effects-of-nature/.Copy

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