🌿Nature is an Underrated Wellness Hack 🌿
In today’s modern fast-paced world, most of us spend our time working and living under artificial lighting, artificial and constant noise, and surrounded with light-emitting artificial screens. However, stepping outside into nature is more than a walk through the park — it is proven by science that the outdoors improves our mental and physical well-being.
In this version of the The 1% Better Newsletter, we will be diving into the impact nature has on our bodies, including how it impacts our health, wellness, longevity, and the science-backed research behind these benefits, while also providing practical methods into how to increase outdoor time in our daily lives.
⚛️ The Research Behind Nature & Wellness ⚛️
Going outside into nature is more than just getting fresh air and sunlight — nature provides us with science-backed benefits that aid in our wellness. For instance:
✅ Nature Decreases Stress & Anxiety – Stepping outside can lower cortisol levels, and promote relaxation.
✅ Increase Immune Strength — Stepping outside can help help strengthen our immune system by breathing fresh air and receiving natural sunlight.
✅ Can Enhance Mental Parity — Stepping outside can provide us with increased serotonin and dopamine levels, neurotransmitters related to happiness.
✅ Enhance Sleep — Sunlight can help with regulating the circadian rythym.
✅ Decrease Blood Pressure & Aid Heart Health —Walking outside can lower blood pressure and heart rate.
✅ Can Help With Mindfulness – Nature can lower cortisol levels, and promote relaxation.
Scientific research from institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Harvard School of Public Health have reinforced the idea that spending around 2 to 3 hours in nature per week is associated with higher lifespans and healthier bodies.
🌳Some Nature Wellness Practices
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) — This is a Japanese practice that entails of mindfully walking in a forest which can help with stress levels.
How? Find a local park and start walking with no distractions like phones or music
Sunlight Therapy — This consists of exposing the body to sunlight which can help with immune health, bone density and energy.
How? Get 10 to 15 minutes of direct sunlight, use sunscreen if necessary.
Grounding — This practice consists of walking barefoot on grass, soil, sand or other elements, this can help with stress.
How? Find a safe place to walk barefoot on grass or soil.
Water Therapy — This practice consists of exposing the body to water which can help with stress, mood, and mental clarity
How? Swim in a lake, pool or just simply take more showers.
🌿 How to Add More Nature into Your Daily Routine
🔹Take More Outside Breaks In Nature – Make to sure to go outside more often for at least 5 to 10 minutes to help with stress and emotions.
🔹 Find Ways To Commute – Choose to walk or bike to work if possible to help with overall well-being
🔹 Work Outdoors If Possible – Make sure to spend time outside in nature to help with stress management and improve productivity with work.
🔹 Begin a Garden – Exposure to soils and plants can help the body with lower anxiety and better gut health.
🔹 Plan More Nature Getaways – This can include visiting and hiking at national parks and beach trips to help with mind and body clarity.
💡Final Thoughts: The 1% Better Mindset 💡
Adding nature hacks into your lifestyle does not have to be time-consuming — spending 20 to 30 minutes a day outside can help with improving you overall mental and physical health, including with happiness and stress management from everyday hustles. Remember to take a walk, bathe in sunlight, or feeling the ground under your feet. Your mind and body will eventually thank you for these things! 🌿💚
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