Mother Nature: Healing Powers of the Outdoors
Image Courtesy: Strike Magazine Tallahassee
Living in a world riddled with pandemics, wars, academic pressure, and, of course, the normal teenage girl troubles -- stress is an all too familiar feeling for me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed and anxious, I find myself seeking refuge in nature. Whether it's a walk on a nearby trail, a drive to see the sunset on the beach, or simply sitting with my toes in the grass, the sheer presence of nature always calms my mind. While on one of my recent nature recluses, it had me wondering: Why I am always drawn to the trees, water, and sunshine? Why is it that the sight of blooming flowers makes my problems feel far away?
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The healing power of nature is universally felt. Benefits offered by the outdoors affect people’s minds, bodies, and spirits in a multitude of ways. One powerful element of nature’s healing is its ability to produce wonder and awe in the minds of humans. To feel in awe is to feel challenged in the way you view the world. It causes you to see things in a way you never have before. Wonder generates curiosity and opens your heart to feel a part of something much bigger than yourself. Sights of magnificent nature can spark this feeling and make your problems feel unimportant in the grand scheme of things. When a tree towers thirty feet over my head, it’s easier to put my stressors in perspective. The seeming insignificance of the problems on your mind has been shown to immediately lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
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Another healing power offered by nature is the facilitation of mindfulness. When immersed in nature, all five of your senses are called into action. You might smell the warm scent of pine needles at your feet, see alternating shades of green as the sunlight dapples through the foliage, hear the soft lapping of waves along the shore, feel a cool brisk breeze against your face, or taste the salt spray of the ocean. The natural drawing of attention to these sensations is like a built-in stress reduction exercise. It requires you to be mindful of your experiences and ground yourself in the nature you are surrounded by. This grounding ability of nature always brings me back to the center and creates peace within myself in the same way that meditating or journaling can.
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In addition to the apparent mental and emotional impacts of spending time in nature, the outdoor elements have also been shown to have real palpable health benefits. Research studies have shown that nature triggers both psychological and physical changes in a person’s well-being. One study at the University of Chicago showed a correlation between time spent outdoors and cognitive development in children. Similar studies show that exposure to nature increases memory ability and function. Additionally, growing up surrounded by natural environments lowers people’s chance of struggling with mental disorders including depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Even effects such as lowered blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease can result from immersion in nature.
Mother Earth is a powerful force that we should not take for granted. The powers these natural elements provide can visibly heal our souls and bodies. Take refuge in nature and find joy in spending time outside, away from the stressors of your daily life.
Strike Out,
Writer: Sarah Gibson
Editor: Jayna O
Graphic Designer: Kelly Hammer
Tallahassee