5 surprising ways nature can help you heal

1. Nature gives your brain a break

Is your mind feeling cluttered with all the things you have to do? Maybe you’re tired of being inside all day. Take 10 minutes to walk around outside. Studies have found that walking in nature can improve your attention.

2. Nature can help make you kinder

One study of children found that being in the natural world may make children nicer to others. The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, took one set of children on a long nature experience. Another group of kids went to an indoor museum. After the experience, children gave pretend assignments to their classmates.

3. Nature can make us feel happier

Spending time in nature can make us feel more in touch with ourselves, our lives and our future. One study found that feeling connected to nature was linked to higher levels of overall well-being and personal growth.4 The study authors suggest that feeling like you’re a part of something bigger can help you grow in new ways.

4. Nature can help us chill out

No beeps. No buzzes. No dings. “Nature is a chance to unplug,” says Dr. McGlothlin. “It allows us to focus on things other than our work and home lives. This has never been more needed than during these last several years.” Working from home, remote learning and lockdowns have all increased our stress levels.

5. Nature gives us a chance to connect

“Inviting a friend to walk and talk can be a great way to catch up. Reconnect and do something healthy for your mind and body,” says Dr. McGlothlin. Walking and talking side by side — instead of making eye contact during a face-to-face conversation — may make it easier to talk about tougher topics.