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Have you ever felt it? Seeing a vast expanse of green in front of you and all of a sudden you feel like running, jumping, waving your arms as though there’s a weight off your shoulders? A strange sense of ease and elation at the same time? As though trees, plants, grass and water have some magical power to make you happy.
Surprisingly, this feeling is universal. Studies have shown that interacting with nature has many benefits on mental health, generating positive emotions such as calmness, joy and creativity. In addition, being in green spaces can help with psychological issues, lowering depression and anxiety.
Studies show that “connecting” with nature can drastically improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Through activities being held in nature, or interacting with one's natural surroundings– smelling flowers or walking barefoot on soil and grass– one tends to perceive beauty in their surroundings, feel more compassion, and find value in nature.
Interestingly, people who spend more time with nature are not only healthier but are also more sensitive towards nature and being eco-friendly. They are more likely to be motivated to change their lifestyle and adopt pro-environment practices, such as recycling, walking, and consuming local produce. Spending more time with nature helps our understanding of our surroundings and makes us care about them more.
Taking some time out of our day to visit a local park, maintain a garden or even sit under a tree can be a small but important change we all need to make in our lives.
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." –John Muir
References:
Mental Health Foundation. 2021. How connecting with nature benefits our mental health. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-06/MHAW21-Nature-research-report.pdf
(accessed on 25th September, 2023).
Editors, Southern Living. 2023. “60 Inspiring Quotes About Nature.” Southern Living. https://www.southernliving.com/culture/nature-quotes.(accessed on 25th September, 2023).
Written by Aarushi Arathi Sridhar
(1ST YEAR, B.A. ENGLISH (HONS.)
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