Has anyone ever told you to “just take a walk outside to clear your head” or “go out and get some fresh air; it will make you feel better!”? Recommendations to “get outside” when we are feeling overwhelmed or stressed are quite common, and oftentimes when we accept this advice, it works! Have you ever wondered why this might be the case?
The diverse sights and sounds afforded by natural environments such as natural or urban forests draw our attention away the everyday commotion of our lives, allowing us to relax our bodies and effortlessly turn our curiosity and attention to the beauty of the world surrounding us.
Research has been conducted that supports the psychological and emotional benefits of nature experience. Going for a walk in a natural or urban forest or simply sitting and breathing in the fresh air is a simple and effective way to reduce physical expressions of stress and anxiety, reduce rumination and improve mood as well as increase capacities for attention and cognitive functioning.
Finding ways, even if only for a few minutes, to integrate nature experience into your daily life may provide additional support to your healing journey and overall well-being.
Jimenez MP, DeVille NV, Elliott EG, Schiff JE, Wilt GE, Hart JE, James P. Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 30;18(9):4790. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18094790. PMID: 33946197; PMCID: PMC8125471.
Dr. Jennifer Bradley, PhD, C.Psych is a psychologist at CFIR. She works with individuals experiencing a wide range of psychological and relational difficulties including life transitions, anxiety and stress, trauma, depression, mood and grief, interpersonal difficulties, and issues related to self-esteem. Dr. Bradley is an integrative therapist with a particular interest in existential and relational approaches to psychotherapy. In her academic and research work, Dr. Bradley studies how spending time outdoors and our relationship with the natural worlds supports psychological health and well-being.
