Nature’s Secret Therapy: Boost Mental Health Without Pills

Every one of us feels at some point or the other that when we are in a green place – like a park, field, garden, or forest – our state of mind automatically improves. The mind becomes calm, thoughts start opening up, and a kind of happiness is experienced. It is not by chance. There is a pattern behind this. Our mental health benefits a lot from the strong bond between us and the world around us.

Nowadays, dealing with stress and loneliness is common, and being outdoors and in nature turns out to be a healthy way for our minds.

Why is nature important for mental health?

The environment we see in parks, plants, trees, lakes, rivers, or even just a pot comforts us and makes us feel better.
It reduces our stress, gives us the power to think positively, and transforms our restlessness into peace.

Having contact with nature and letting it affect us strengthens our minds. Being outside in nature is related to better mental health and increased happiness.

The effect of nature during the pandemic

When everyone’s life had come to a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people found solace in the greenery of parks, trees, or rooftops near their homes. During the lockdown, when options were limited, just going out and getting fresh air, watching birds, admiring the sky – all these small things helped in maintaining people’s mental balance.

People realized that nature is not only beautiful, but it is also an important part of our lives that gives us stability and mental strength.

Nature Connectedness: A Heartfelt Connection

Connecting with nature means not just walking among trees or having a picnic, but it means feeling that greenery, valuing its presence, and getting emotionally attached to it.

When you sit under a tree, feel its shade, smell the flowers, or plant a plant in the soil, then you connect emotionally to that experience. This connection can relieve your inner anxiety, giving you the power to think and feel better.

Easy ways to connect with nature

1. Listen: Listen carefully to the sound of birds.
2. See: Watch the sunset or the movement of clouds.
3. Touch: Touch the bark of a tree or hold the soil in your hands.
4. Feel: Smell the flowers or feel the cool breeze on your cheeks.
5. Be creative: Write poetry or sketch your favorite natural place.

You don’t have to go to the forest. Nature is all around you – outside your window, on a tree in the street, in a pot on your balcony, or by the lake of your dreams.

People who are connected to nature are happier

Science also believes that people who are emotionally connected to nature are happier and find life more meaningful. People connected to nature are calmer, have more creative thinking, and have relatively fewer mental problems.

It has also been found that such people are also at the forefront of protecting the environment, ​​such as using less plastic, planting trees, or giving preference to seasonal fruits and vegetables.

In this way, connecting with nature not only gives personal benefits but also benefits society and the environment collectively.

The importance of “high-quality” nature

Not all nature is the same. Some natural places are more beneficial, especially for mental health. For example, clean parks have more trees and plants, hear the sounds of birds, and sit there and feel peaceful.

Such calm and biodiverse places, that is, where there are different types of plants and animals, especially promote mental health. And if such places are also clean – that is, there is no garbage, there is peace – then their effect is even more positive.

Unequal access: Not everyone has equal opportunity

Although nature is everywhere, not everyone gets equal access to good and safe natural places.

1. Urban vs. rural difference: People living in cities have less greenery than those living in villages.
2. Homes without gardens: Those who do not have a garden in their homes feel less connected to nature.
3. Physically disabled people: If parks do not have inclusive facilities, it becomes difficult for people with disabilities to enjoy nature.
4. Women and young girls: Often, there is an atmosphere of insecurity in public places, due to which they are not able to spend time openly in nature.
5. Minority communities: Some groups also face obstacles in enjoying nature due to discrimination or an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Ironically, the groups that are already at a higher risk of mental problems are getting the least opportunities to connect with nature.

Path to solution: Greenery in every street and corner

Now the need is that we do not only talk about forests and remote parks, but focus on making the environment around us green.

Some easy solutions:

• Plant trees in the streets of cities.
• Create gardens on the roofs of houses.
• Promote trees and plants in schools and offices.
• Create “green corridors” by planting trees at new construction sites.

This will not only connect people with nature, but the environment will also be safe, and cities will become more beautiful.

Conclusion

Our mental peace, happiness, and balance can be achieved with nature around us, and we do not need medications. This doesn’t take a major effort – being around nature and appreciating it is all that’s required. Sitting under trees, admiring flowers, or looking at birds links us to nature, and this helps us become stronger from within. Therefore, try to have some contact with nature every single day, wherever you live.

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