How (and Why) to Connect with Nature, Even When You Live in a City
Most of us know from experience that spending time in nature can make us feel calmer, happier, and just more connected to our essence.
And, at the same time, many of us live in cities full of glass buildings and concrete sidewalks. But, you don’t have to wait for that weekend drive to the mountains to get the mental health benefits of experiencing nature.
Even when living in an urban environment, there are simple ways to connect with nature:
- Incorporate more natural materials into your living/working spaces when possible, like wood, stone, plants or natural light. This reminds us of nature indoors. And then stop throughout your day to touch or look at these items.
- Spend time in parks, gardens, or natural areas within the city. Just being around trees, plants and green spaces can be beneficial.
- Walk or exercise outside rather than inside whenever possible to get natural sunlight and fresh air.
- Bring some greenery indoors by having houseplants, flowers or a small garden. Interacting with indoor plants has similar stress-reducing effects.
- Look for nature through windows - notice trees, sky, plants or animals that can be seen from inside buildings. Appreciating these views can lower stress and boost mood.
- Spend time near bodies of water like ponds or streams within cities. Water elements have uniquely calming psychological impacts.
It’s scientifically proven that there are multiple mental health benefits to experiencing nature. These include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety.
Being in nature can lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and reduce feelings of anxiety.
- Improved mood and sense of well-being. Spending time in green spaces has been shown to have positive effects on depression and overall psychological wellness.
Better focus and attention. Being in nature helps restore directed-attention abilities, which are depleted by mental fatigue. This can improve focus and concentration.
Increased serotonin levels. Serotonin production increases after being outdoors. This "happy hormone" helps regulate mood and social behavior.
At Insight Counseling and Wellness, we consistently look for ways for our clients to experience nature on their own and in groups. One ongoing activity we offer for aligning with nature’s rhythms is our new moon meditation on the first Tuesday of every month.
The next one in June 4 and we’d love to have you there.
This group is for you if you are seeking direction, community support, relaxation and rest, and empowered self-connection.
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