Close X
Monday, December 9, 2024
ADVT 
Health and Fitness

The Brain Benefits of Nature

Dr. Shimi Kang and Jas Hundal  Darpan, 24 Nov, 2023
  • The Brain Benefits of Nature

Nature refreshes us, inspires and even heals us. We know that for a long time, humans have benefited from being around nature, enjoying the fresh air and majestic scenery of lush forests and bountiful rivers. Over the last decade, many of us have followed the global urban living trend, which means working from home and less time outdoors. However, spending time outdoors has various benefits for our brain, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of mental illness and even increased empathy and cooperation. 

Our connection with nature – how much we notice, think about and appreciate our natural surroundings – is critical in supporting good mental health and preventing distress. Being close to nature, whether hiking through a local park or simply admiring fresh-cut flowers on your kitchen table, can boost your mood and make you more alert and less anxious.

Being outside and spending the day at the beach or hiking your favourite  trail is easy in the summer. However, many of us would prefer to be curled up on our couch with a hot chai, watching our favourite movie in the cold winter months. To help you get connected with nature in the winter, here are Shimi and Jas' favourite tips to get the mental health benefits without freezing your toes off:

1. Schedule short walks when the temperature is the highest. 

If you are an early riser, you will love starting your day with a brisk morning walk. Dr. Kang says, "Walking outside improves one's mood just like light-box therapy is known to help people with mood disorders." It's very effective to be outside because our brains release powerful neurochemicals similar to those you may be trying to promote with medications. 

2. Stay hydrated with a warm drink. We all have our favourite winter drinks, and Jas loves her masala chai, which is steeped with ginger, cardamom, cloves, and fennel seeds. If you need something to warm you up outdoors and make your walk a little more fun, take your drink with you. 

3. Plant a winter garden…yes you can grow a garden in winter too! Giving yourself a project during winter is great motivation to spend some time outdoors. Kale, potatoes, onions and garlic can be planted and cultivated in winter. You can even reward yourself with some hot aloo paratha after you have harvested your crop.  

4. Start a plant family! If you don't have that green thumb for outdoors, bring the greenery inside with some indoor plants to help liven up your home. For many people with mobility issues, having some indoor plants will be a great way to be close to nature and reduce psychological stress. 

5. Bring the outdoors indoors by sitting on your patio or by a window. Even if you are inside, you can still enjoy the sight of beautiful white snow and listen to the pitter-patter of raindrops outside. 

The bottom line? No matter your strategy, experiencing nature doesn't have to be a huge commitment. "It doesn't have to be complicated – go outside and observe the sights around you," says Dr. Kang. "Really make it a part of your life every day." We all need fresh air, and connecting with nature year-round is essential for our well-being. 

Dr. Shimi Kang, psychiatrist and co-founder; Jas Hundal, Social Worker and Counseling Director at Future Ready Minds

@futurereadyminds

www.futurereadyminds.com

info@futurereadyminds.com

 

 

 

 

 

MORE Health and Fitness ARTICLES

Stay Empowered with Your Fitness In 2021

Stay Empowered with Your Fitness In 2021

There is more conversation on topics such as sleep, energy, digestion, hormones, lifestyle and emotional health vs. just the archaic model of calories consumed and intensity of exercise. 

Super Foods Trending Across the World

Super Foods Trending Across the World

Today we live in a fast-paced world where our lifestyle has become so hectic that we often neglect the most important thing – the nutrition that our body needs to lead a healthy life.

The Bitter Truth Behind Sweets

The Bitter Truth Behind Sweets

Most of all, South Asian sweets are embedded in the very essence of festivals – in the capacity of a dessert and even as an exchange of gifts between families. 

Fitness Resolutions For the New Year 2021

Fitness Resolutions For the New Year 2021

Now seems like a great time to take a look at some potential fitness-related New Year’s resolutions that will help make the most of the year to come. 

9 Body Weight Exercises For A Complete At-Home Workout

9 Body Weight Exercises For A Complete At-Home Workout

Let’s go through nine bodyweight exercises you can perform that, when performed in conjunction with one another, will provide the full-body workout you need.

Make the Best Out of Your Home Workout

Make the Best Out of Your Home Workout

Even if you can get into your gym, you might choose not to due to safety considerations. So home workouts it is