Close X
Thursday, October 31, 2024
ADVT 
Health & Fitness

The Brain Benefits of Nature

Dr. Shimi Kang and Jas Hundal  Darpan, 24 Nov, 2023 01:47 PM
  • The Brain Benefits of Nature

Nature refreshes us, inspires and even heals us. We know that for a long time, humans have benefited from being around nature, enjoying the fresh air and majestic scenery of lush forests and bountiful rivers. Over the last decade, many of us have followed the global urban living trend, which means working from home and less time outdoors. However, spending time outdoors has various benefits for our brain, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of mental illness and even increased empathy and cooperation. 

Our connection with nature – how much we notice, think about and appreciate our natural surroundings – is critical in supporting good mental health and preventing distress. Being close to nature, whether hiking through a local park or simply admiring fresh-cut flowers on your kitchen table, can boost your mood and make you more alert and less anxious.

Being outside and spending the day at the beach or hiking your favourite  trail is easy in the summer. However, many of us would prefer to be curled up on our couch with a hot chai, watching our favourite movie in the cold winter months. To help you get connected with nature in the winter, here are Shimi and Jas' favourite tips to get the mental health benefits without freezing your toes off:

1. Schedule short walks when the temperature is the highest. 

If you are an early riser, you will love starting your day with a brisk morning walk. Dr. Kang says, "Walking outside improves one's mood just like light-box therapy is known to help people with mood disorders." It's very effective to be outside because our brains release powerful neurochemicals similar to those you may be trying to promote with medications. 

2. Stay hydrated with a warm drink. We all have our favourite winter drinks, and Jas loves her masala chai, which is steeped with ginger, cardamom, cloves, and fennel seeds. If you need something to warm you up outdoors and make your walk a little more fun, take your drink with you. 

3. Plant a winter garden…yes you can grow a garden in winter too! Giving yourself a project during winter is great motivation to spend some time outdoors. Kale, potatoes, onions and garlic can be planted and cultivated in winter. You can even reward yourself with some hot aloo paratha after you have harvested your crop.  

4. Start a plant family! If you don't have that green thumb for outdoors, bring the greenery inside with some indoor plants to help liven up your home. For many people with mobility issues, having some indoor plants will be a great way to be close to nature and reduce psychological stress. 

5. Bring the outdoors indoors by sitting on your patio or by a window. Even if you are inside, you can still enjoy the sight of beautiful white snow and listen to the pitter-patter of raindrops outside. 

The bottom line? No matter your strategy, experiencing nature doesn't have to be a huge commitment. "It doesn't have to be complicated – go outside and observe the sights around you," says Dr. Kang. "Really make it a part of your life every day." We all need fresh air, and connecting with nature year-round is essential for our well-being. 

Dr. Shimi Kang, psychiatrist and co-founder; Jas Hundal, Social Worker and Counseling Director at Future Ready Minds

@futurereadyminds

www.futurereadyminds.com

info@futurereadyminds.com

 

 

 

 

 

MORE Health & Fitness ARTICLES

The ultimate hack to control sugar cravings

The ultimate hack to control sugar cravings
When we consume sugar, it triggers the release of dopamine in our brain, which gives us a feel-good experience. This is why we tend to reach for sugary foods when we are stressed, tired or sad.  Fortunately, there are some simple hacks that can help you control your sugar cravings and stay on track with your health and fitness goals.

The ultimate hack to control sugar cravings

Eating handful of walnuts daily may boost attention among adolescents

Eating handful of walnuts daily may boost attention among adolescents
The team found that adolescents who ate walnuts for at least 100 days (not necessarily continuously every day) increased their attention functions, and those who had some symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) improved their behaviour significantly -- in class they were less hyperactive.

Eating handful of walnuts daily may boost attention among adolescents

Here's why you need to stop drinking tea first thing in the morning

Here's why you need to stop drinking tea first thing in the morning
Drinking tea or any other caffeinated beverage first thing in the morning on an empty stomach can lead to increased acidity and digestive discomfort. This is because caffeine can stimulate the production of stomach acid, which can cause irritation and inflammation.

Here's why you need to stop drinking tea first thing in the morning

5 Audiobooks and Podcasts to help cope with stress

5 Audiobooks and Podcasts to help cope with stress
With the help of these incredible Audible podcasts and audiobooks, you can unlock simple yet effective stress management techniques to recover from stress, optimise your well-being, and unlock your full potential. 

5 Audiobooks and Podcasts to help cope with stress

7 audiobooks to help you sleep better

7 audiobooks to help you sleep better
7 books that you can listen to on Audible to help you fall asleep. So turn off the lights, wrap yourself in your beloved blankets, and allow these soothing voices to lull you to sleep: 

7 audiobooks to help you sleep better

Stay hydrated with tender coconut water

Stay hydrated with tender coconut water
Overall, coconut water is a pleasant and nutritious substitute for other beverages and offers a host of advantages for general health and well-being. You can enjoy tender coconut in a variety of ways in addition to the different types, such as by blending it into smoothies or using it as the foundation for cocktails like mojitos.

Stay hydrated with tender coconut water