Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Have you ever had an experience in which this quote would be applicable?

The outdoors provides many opportunities to participate in activities or simply clear our minds, which boosts cognitive function and enhances mental well-being. Immersing ourselves in nature can significantly improve brain health in a variety of ways, including the reduction of stress and anxiety, boosting mood, increasing level of physical activity, improving sleep quality, and strengthening the brain’s ability to function.

Have you ever noticed the way your mind seems to relax when exposed to nature? Think of how you feel when the sun shines on your face, when you stroll beneath the trees as a cool breeze trails over you, or the way you relax as you sit beside a stream and focus on the sound of the gently running water. This calming effect is due to the reduction of stress hormones, which are lowered when we are in natural environments. A simple outdoor walk or spending a few moments in green spaces lowers stress levels and reduces anxiety significantly. In addition to impacting stress hormones, serotonin and endorphins are also affected by being outdoors. These chemicals within the body are associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Though they both have different functions, they are each boosted by being in nature and provide feelings of contentment.

Nature is a natural mood booster!

The list of outdoor activities available is practically endless, with something for everyone to enjoy. Finding something to do outdoors that will help you be active is not only great for physical reasons, but it will also provide tremendous cognitive benefits. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, allowing essential oxygen and nutrients to be delivered while promoting the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), aiding in brain plasticity and neurogenesis. For more info on this miraculous molecule, here’s a helpful article:

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fncel.2019.00363/full

The ways in which nature benefits the quality of sleep are numerous, one major factor is that exposure to natural light aids in the regulation of the circadian rhythm. By resetting your body’s internal clock using sunlight and nature, chances of a better night’s sleep are increased. Taking regular outdoor walks each day can have a huge impact on how well you’re able to rest at night. This is a great place to start if you’re looking to implement more time in nature into your daily routine.

Other ideas for incorporating nature into your life would be activities such as gardening, meditating, birdwatching, bike riding, or even switching your workouts from inside to outdoors. Exercising in a natural setting can be more enjoyable and beneficial to your body as well as your brain. Frankly, anything that you enjoy doing outside can be enhanced by the calming effects of nature and the resulting emotional balance and mental clarity. Give it a try!

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