Have you ever felt sluggish? Down in the dumps? Worried? Depressed? Unproductive? Then going outside may be exactly what you need in your life. It is free, accessible, and easy to gain a multitude of benefits for a small investment of your time. I feel like a salesperson for the outdoors. The truth is, I'm passionate about our world. I have experienced a deep emotional freedom from merely exposing myself to natural environments. Since I was a child I have loved being outdoors but it was only in my last year of studying my Physical Education degree (2016) that I was able to put my experience into words. In my research, I expressed the importance of building and maintaining a relationship with the natural environments of our world; from plants to animals. There are no set guidelines other than to GET OUTSIDE.
“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves” ~ John Muir (2003)
I am blessed to live in the beautiful country of New Zealand; forests, mountains, and the sea are always within an arms reach. Fortunately for me, my Mum always ensured to expose us to various outdoor environments in the hope of instilling a sense of adventure. This fostered the opportunity for me to gain a strong foundation of connection with our natural environment; which I now explain in the terms of having relationship with nature. At any age, humans have the ability to make time to engage in relationships. In a world that is advancing with technology, there is a dire need to increase our relationship with our outdoor environment which is beneficial for the world and you!
My main journey towards fostering a relationship with nature was in my third year of University, involving my Physical Education Camp. I was assigned to a group with seven others, including an outdoor instructor. Together we planned a route and had six days of tramping and camping. We had chosen a route that had little to no track and were reliant on ‘catching features’ in nature. After a few days tramping, I found my thoughts caught in a net of reflectiveness. There were more moments in the day to internalise, to focus within, while walking through the astonishing and diverse landscapes of our backyard in New Zealand. The most memorable campsite was Lake Pounamu, I was captivated by the scenery.
(Photo Credit M. Jolly - Resting by Lake Pounamu)
We had been tested by the terrain. Our instructor showed us how to forge a track through the bush. We danced around branches and hopped high over rocks to arrive at this magnificent lake. It was like magic. Pushing past the last strong bush to reveal a lake that washed up on the grass. Our fresh-water ocean. That night, as the sun said goodnight, we were caught up in the social business of card games and chatter under the tent. It was not until we decided to lay our heads down to rest we accidentally noticed the radiant, shimmering stars. With no artificial light to spoil our star-lit sky, I was in awe. My senses were reawakened from the sight of the stars, the sound of crickets, the soft touch of a crisp breeze and the smell of freshness surrounding us. From that moment I began to have a new appreciation and connection to our natural world.
Our world's still filled with mysteries that are yet to be fully understood. With the limiting use of the English language I am restricted in describing my experiences. The interaction that occurs when we are exposed to our natural environment is both mentally and emotionally astonishing. This realisation can happen on a small to a grande scale. Whether you look at a picture of a forest, care for your plant, pet an animal, or walk in the mountains. Once you put yourself in situations that surround you with the beauty of our world will you begin to be aware, feel, and truly know the effects of nature on your health. There are positive impacts waiting to be obtained physically, socially, spiritually, mentally/emotionally if you take a few moments to connect with the natural environment.
What we decide to surround and expose ourselves to will impact us. A few findings show that exposure to nature influences our body cells adapting and sustaining longer in to aging. As well as this, studies have shown increased neural plasticity and decreased activity in the amygdala. The amygdala fuels the brains fear pathways to highlight negative memories and the terror of an activity. The neurological studies in correlation with nature have also revealed a decrease of depression and mental anxiety when exposed or immersed in nature.
There are more studies needed to strengthen the body of evidence for neurological benefits with nature. Despite the limited research, there is a large agreement that denounces negative consequences from spending time in nature. Instead, studies harmonise in recalling that nature results in positive emotions. Overall, exposure to nature which allows an all-senses-inclusive interaction reveals a balancing of one’s mental outlook. This is provoked by chemicals, hormones, and neurological activity that is activated or suppressed as by an interaction with nature. Physiological effects on the body are apparent from nature exposure.
The neurological features that correlate with nature extend to physiological impacts. As a result of exposure to nature, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated. In this relaxed state there is less physiological stress on the body. Through engagement with nature there are short term consequences of a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and slowing of one’s breathing rate. These lead to long term impacts of lower blood pressure which reduces stress on arteriole system, and a decreased strain on the heart. Also, when physiological stress is low there is lower risk for disease, illness, and other physical conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Simply put; exposure to nature is great for your health!
I could go on for hours talking about the deep beauty and healing properties of being outdoors but it would be more effective for you to go outside and experience it for yourself! Go to the beach, sit under a tree, go outside and close your eyes to feel the wind. Nature is all around us. You do not have to drive hours to reach a destination to build a relationship with our Earth. I began to understand these ideas after reading Richard Louv’s book, The Nature Principle, and obtained a greater knowledge around the scientific knowledge with Eva Selhub and Alan Logan’s book, Your brain on nature. There is growing evidence that reveals the benefits of connecting with nature. If you don’t take my word for it then go experience and research it for yourself. The Western world is only beginning to catch up to what Ancient wisdom already knows. The Japanese have been prescribing nature as a health remedy through telling patients to partake in Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing); to sit in a forest or to look at a forest. If you want to know more about the ancient wisdoms that have been around for centuries have a look at Dr.Paolo Consiglio’s book, Water, pure and simple. My warning to you is, if you decide to embark on a building your relationship with our natural world then your everyday lifestyle may appear different, as if dull in flavour, after dining on the sweetest taste of the outdoors.
“Nature is not a place to visit, it is home” ~ Gary Synder (1990)
>>Live Simply, Simply Live<< MB
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