How Nature Can Reduce Stress and Anxiety

There is a lot of evidence that shows that being out in nature can physiologically reduce stress levels. One theory as to why this occurs has to do with our history as a human race. For thousands of years, our lives as humans comprised of living outside. We slept outside, hunted and gathered outside, bathed outside, traveled outside, and cooked outside. Historically, our bodies and minds are meant to be outside. It wasn't until recent years that we became "programmed" to be inside most of the time, building shelters and living indoors. Our ancestors had to survive in nature, and so nature provided calming affects that made them feel safe and stable. We still feel these affects today.

Nature is medicine. Being outside can reduce the stress hormones cortisol (https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/a-20-minute-nature-break-relieves-st), increase levels of serotonin (a mood-lifting hormone) lower blood pressure, lower short-term levels of depression and anxiety, and lower perceived stress after stressful events. Read more about that and two breakthrough studies linking nature and our emotions here: https://www.outsideonline.com/health/wellness/nature-mental-health/?fbclid=IwAR1S_WE_VNMjW3l5ymB-p7mUCWQon8OLCDA3S5g1Y0CR8RAjl260660dFLw.

I have also written a blog post previously about some of the benefits and ways you can incorporate nature into your life, which you can read here: https://www.palmtreeyogawithsara.com/post/why-yoga-and-nature-plus-how-to-add-more-nature-to-your-life-during-the-winter

Going outside is a core part of Palm Tree Yoga with Sara because of how effective it can be at reducing stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. You don't need to live in the middle of the wilderness to feel the healing effects of nature. Even just being outside for 5 minutes can cause a major change in the way you feel, partly because going outside will make you feel more grounded. Feeling grounded is very important when you are feeling overwhelmed. When you are inundated with a long to-do list and a bunch of emotions, increasing your feeling of being grounded can help you to feel like you have a grip on things. Even if it is still a lot going on, you can take control. Being outside helps increase the feeling of being grounded because you are closer to your connection with the earth. You can better feel the energy in the ground, you can see the plants thriving, hear the birds chirp, feel the breeze, see the clouds move. You become better connected to the planet and to yourself. You will feel a sense of calmness and clarity rush over you. You can figure things out.

Short and sweet: you'll feel so much better if you just get outside for 5 minutes every day. 20 minutes has been shown (https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/a-20-minute-nature-break-relieves-st) to reduce cortisol levels the most (it then reduces cortisol at a slower rate after 20 minutes), but if you're short on time 5 minutes will certainly be worth it. At some point in your day, think to yourself "have I been outside today for 5 minutes yet?" Set an alarm on your phone as a gentle reminder to think about it, or pair it with another habit such as exercising outdoors or drinking your morning beverage outside. Maybe as you drive home from work you think about if you've been outside yet. Make this a priority, and you'll have more energy and drive to do the rest of your tasks that day. You will reduce stress levels by being in nature and therefore you will also be a more effective problem solver, allowing you to feel like you have a handle on the situation that is bothering you.