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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The holiday season can be particularly challenging for those experiencing grief. While others are celebrating, you may be grappling with a profound sense of loss and emptiness. It's important to remember that grief is a normal response to loss. Whether your loss was recent, a year ago, or ten years ago, the holidays have a way of activating our grief. During this time, you might find yourself struggling with conflicting emotions. On one hand, there's pressure to participate in festivities and appear joyful. On the other, you're dealing with the pain of missing a loved one or processing a significant loss. This internal conflict can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. It's crucial to acknowledge that there's no "right" way to grieve, especially during the holidays. Some may find comfort in maintaining traditions, while others might need to create new ones. The key is to be gentle with yourself and allow space for your grief. At Insight Counseling and Wellness Center, we understand the complexities of navigating grief during this season. That's why we're offering a special "Grief and Loss During the Holidays" group series. This supportive environment will provide you with tools to cope with your loss, connect with others who understand your experience, and find meaning during this challenging time. Our series will cover various topics, including: Understanding grief and its impact during the holidays Coping strategies for difficult emotions Creating new traditions or adapting old ones Finding ways to honor and remember your loved ones Planning for the new year while acknowledging your loss You'll gain valuable insights, share experiences with others who understand, and develop strategies to navigate this season with more ease and self-compassion. You don't face the holidays alone in your grief. Register now for our " Grief and Loss During the Holidays " group series and take a step towards healing and finding moments of peace during this challenging time. Your journey matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
As children, we are wired for connection. Our very survival depends on being accepted by our family and community.
