Nature as a Major Determinant for Good Mental Health
When people think about mental health, they often focus on therapy, medication, or talking to someone they trust. While these are essential, there’s another powerful influence we often overlook, nature. And by nature, we don’t just mean grand landscapes like forests, mountains, or waterfalls. It includes the everyday elements around us: the trees lining your street, the plants in your yard, the sky above, or the gentle breeze in the evening.
These small, often unnoticed aspects of nature can have a profound impact on how we feel. Scientific research increasingly shows that nature is a major determinant of good mental health. It helps reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a sense of calm and connection. But why does nature have this effect? And how can we harness it more intentionally in our daily lives?
Why Does Nature Affect Our Mental Health?
For thousands of years, humans lived close to nature. People farmed, fetched water from rivers, and spent time under trees to rest. But today, life has changed. Many people spend their days indoors, looking at screens, working in offices, or staying in classrooms for hours. While this is part of modern life, it has affected how we feel and think. Researchers have found that nature improves mental health in these ways:
Nature Helps Reduce Stress. Stress is one of the biggest causes of mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and emotional breakdown. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that spending just 20 minutes in nature lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. When cortisol reduces, you feel calmer and more relaxed. Even if it is just sitting under a tree in your compound or walking around your area in the morning, it helps.
Nature Improves Mood and Happiness. Nature has a way of making people feel good. Watching the sky change colours in the evening, listening to birds sing, or feeling the fresh breeze can lift your mood. It helps you feel peaceful and happy. Research from the University of Michigan showed that people who spent time in nature improved their memory and attention by up to 20% compared to those who stayed indoors or walked on busy streets. When your mood is better, your mental health becomes stronger.
Nature Reduces Negative Thinking. Many mental health challenges come with negative thinking – thinking about your problems repeatedly, feeling hopeless, or blaming yourself for everything. A study found that walking outdoors for just 90 minutes reduced the part of the brain linked to negative thinking. This means that nature helps your mind break away from these harmful thoughts.
Nature Makes You Feel Connected. Being in nature reminds us that life is bigger than our worries. Seeing trees, feeling the ground, or listening to natural sounds makes you feel connected to the world around you. This connection reduces loneliness and brings peace to your mind, which is important for emotional well-being.
Simple Ways to Enjoy Nature in Your Daily Life. You do not need to travel to a forest or mountain before you enjoy nature.
Here are ways to include nature in your daily life in Nigeria
- Morning or Evening Walks: Walk around your street or compound early in the morning or after sunset when the weather is cool.
- Sit Outside: Instead of staying indoors all day, sit under a tree near your house, mosque, or church and relax.
- Keep Plants at Home or Work: You can keep small plants in your room, office, or shop. Looking at green plants can calm your mind.
- Observe the Sky: Spend a few minutes each day looking at the sky, clouds, or stars at night. It brings peace to your mind.
- Visit Parks or Natural Areas: On weekends, go to parks or gardens around you to refresh your mind and body.
Why This Matters for Your Mental Health
In Nigeria today, many people face daily stress – from traffic, business pressure, family needs, to economic worries. All these can affect mental health, leading to anxiety, sadness, anger, or hopelessness. By spending even a little time in nature every day, you give your mind a chance to rest and recover. Nature is like a natural therapy with no side effects and it is free.
Nature is more than just trees, plants, and fresh air. It is a major determinant for good mental health. Whenever you feel stressed, tired, or emotionally weak, step outside and spend some time in nature. You will notice a difference in your mood, thinking, and overall mental well-being. Make nature part of your daily life, and your mind will thank you for it.
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