We're asking Nature some big old questions about life, work & beyond, inspired by the problems & potentials of the people & teams we work with.
This week, let's focus on understanding WHY Nature is good for our mental and physical health.
Alongside coaching approaches shared in sessions, we believe Nature is 'Where the Mind Grows,' so we always look to Nature's wisdom on these sticky issues!
So here is what Nature has to say:
Reduce Stress: Time in Nature is shown to reduce cortisol and adrenaline, the bodies chemical/hormones that show up when we are stressed, anxious or overwhelmed.
Helps us live longer: Back in 2016 a Harvard study - amongst others over the years - showed that people with access to or who lived near Nature were likely to live longer than those deprived of Nature throughout their lives.
Space to refocus - A theory called attention restoration theory, shows that the time spent out in Nature can help to clear our mind and support us to a more focused state. Meaning we can return to work or life tasks and activities with a heightened sense of energy and attention.
Sensory Stimulation: Research has shown that the sound of birdsong, a cool breeze on our cheeks, or the phytoncides and 'essential oils' of the forest can help our sensory regulation.
Grounding - Nature can help us feel emotionally and physically grounded and support our problems and issues to feel 'less big.' Many clients have shared with me how taking in the vastness of a forest or ecosystem reminds them of possibilities and potential (an example of ecopsychology) - a time when feeling smaller can actually be helpful rather than negative. Placing our feet to the soil is also known to help us 'earth'.
The air we breathe: We seem to forget that the air we breathe is purified and made safe by Trees and Plants
Nature would also like to remind us that it prioritises health and well-being - aka LIFE- as a NUMERO UNO function and goal in design, habit, and habitat too. It seems to be working pretty well, with 3,8 billion years of evolution and adaptation.
What would you ask Nature?
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