Well Words Wednesday | Nature: One of Your Best Prescriptions for Wellbeing and It is Free

04 02 2025

Spring is a season of renewal and a feast for our senses when we are outdoors. The world is bursting with a variety of colors that dot the landscape from the newly blooming flowers. The grass on the ground and the new leaves on the trees add a vibrant splash of green, against the bright blue skies. The sweet scents of jasmine, gardenias, and tea olive stir up memories from quieter days long past, activating our sense of smell. The birds weave melodies for us to enjoy, lifting their songs to God in praise. They are our outdoor symphony. It is a wonderful time of year to be outdoors, soaking in God’s beautiful creation. Spending time in nature offers numerous health benefits for our mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, and relational health. Here are some ways nature can positively impact our well-being:

Mental and Emotional Health Benefits

• Reduces Stress: Nature helps regulate the sympathetic nervous system, which can lower stress levels almost immediately. Spending time in nature can lower our cortisol levels (a stress hormone). Elevated levels of cortisol can contribute to anxiety and irritability.
• Improves Mood: Exposure to natural environments can enhance mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
• Boosts Cognitive Function: Chronic stress and high cortisol can cause “brain fog” and difficulty focusing. Spending time in nature can improve memory, attention, and creativity.
• Promotes Relaxation: Being in the presence of trees and outdoor plants exposes us to a chemical (phytoncide) that they release which has been shown to promote relaxation, reduce stress levels, and improve attention and focus. Some phytoncides, such as limonene, have been found to have mood-boosting effects. Phytoncides are found in a variety of plants including pine trees, eucalyptus trees, cedar trees, cypress trees, garlic, onion, and citrus trees.

Physical Health Benefits

• Improved circulation and oxygen intake: Outdoor air is often cleaner than indoor air, which can reduce the risk of respiratory issues. Fresh air and physical activity, like walking, improve our circulation and oxygen intake.
• Improved Sleep: Exposure to sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep quality.
• Enhanced Immune System: Spending time outdoors can strengthen the immune system. Exposure to sunlight helps us to synthesize vitamin D, which boosts our immune system. Remember that chemical mentioned above that is released by certain plants: phytoncides? Exposure to them can also boost our immune system, specifically by increasing the activity of natural killer cells that fight off infections.

Improves Our Social Connectedness

• Promotes Social Interaction: Spending time outdoors, particularly in group activities, fosters social connections and improves relationships with others. Nature encourages positive interactions and bonding experiences, whether with family, friends, or even strangers.
• Increases Our Sense of Belonging: Being in nature can enhance feelings of connectivity, not just to other people but also to the environment itself.

Strengthens Our Spiritual Health

• Provides a Stronger Connection: Meditation, prayer, or mindfulness can be enhanced by being in a natural setting. The quiet and peace found in nature can deepen your connection to God. Natural surroundings can enhance your spiritual practices.
• Offers Opportunities for Gratitude: Nature provides an abundance of beauty and sustenance — from the food we eat to the air we breathe. Spending time in nature can cultivate a sense of gratitude for the simple and essential things in life. Gratitude helps foster a positive outlook and strengthens your spiritual health by focusing on the blessings in your life.

Activities for Enjoying Nature Alone

• Hiking or Walking: Find a nearby trail or park and take a leisurely hike or walk. It is a terrific way to connect with nature while getting some exercise.
• Solo Camping: If you are comfortable with the idea, a solo camping trip can be a deeply peaceful experience, allowing you to truly disconnect and recharge.
• Birdwatching: Bring along a pair of binoculars and a guidebook and spend time observing and identifying different birds in the wild.
• Photography: Take your camera (or smartphone) and capture the beauty of nature. The focus and creativity involved in nature photography can be a meditative experience.
• Journaling or Sketching: Sitting in a quiet spot and journaling or sketching the landscape around you can be a great exercise to help you process your thoughts and immerse yourself in your surroundings.
• Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku): This Japanese practice involves simply spending time in a forest to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. It is a deeply calming activity that has been shown to reduce stress.
• Stargazing: If you are somewhere with minimal light pollution, lay on your back at night and watch the stars. You can also bring a telescope to get a closer look.
• Fishing: If you enjoy a more laid-back activity, fishing can be a peaceful way to enjoy time in nature. It is also a wonderful way to be reflective and practice patience.

Activities for Enjoying Nature with Friends or Family

• Picnicking: Pack a basket with food and enjoy a meal outdoors. You can choose a scenic spot in a park, at a beach, or in a forest.
• Biking: Rent bikes or bring your own to explore nature trails together. It is an active way to see a variety of landscapes in one outing.
• Kayaking or Canoeing: If you are near a river, lake, or coastline, renting a kayak or canoe can be an exciting way to explore the water with others.
• Group Hiking: Take a family or group hike on a scenic trail. It is an opportunity to chat, take in the views, and enjoy some fresh air together.
• Nature Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of things to look for in nature (specific plants, animals, shells, or rocks) and have a scavenger hunt. It’s fun for all ages!
• Building a Campfire: If you are camping, gathering around a campfire is always a cozy activity. You can roast marshmallows, tell stories, or simply enjoy the warmth.
• Geocaching: This modern-day treasure hunt uses GPS coordinates to find hidden caches around the world. It is an enjoyable way to explore nature while adding a bit of adventure.
• Outdoor Games: Bring a frisbee, soccer ball, bocce ball, corn hole, or badminton set to a park. Also, playing organized games such as tennis, pickleball, and golf together can make for a fun, energetic way to enjoy nature.
• Wildlife Viewing: Take a trip to a nature reserve or national park where you can observe wildlife together. This is educational and exciting for everyone.
• Foraging: If you are knowledgeable or can learn from an expert, foraging for wild edibles like mushrooms or berries can be a unique way to bond while exploring nature.

Both alone and with others, being in nature can be therapeutic, educational, and fun! Whether you are looking for quiet reflection or active enjoyment, nature offers endless benefits to our health and overall well being.