The Health Benefits of Being in Nature

There are so many benefits to immersing yourself in nature, in fact the exposure to nature as a form of treatment to improve physical and mental well-being is referred to as Ecotherapy.

Studies, and personal experience, have shown that connecting with nature can:

• Improve mood

• Boost the immune system

• Improve sleep

• Increase energy levels

• Reduce anxiety, depression & stress

• Reduce pain

• Improve memory

Studies have even found that being in nature lights up areas of the brain associated with love, empathy and pleasure! With so many benefits, and as an enjoyable form of exercise, I recommend all my clients get outside daily- bonus, it's free! Aim to spend at least 30 minutes a day outside-walk, bike, picnic, watch the sunset, hike, play a sport, read a book or simply sit by the water.

If you have access to a green space with trees you can practice forest bathing (which simply requires the presence of trees, not necessarily a forest). The key to forest bathing is engaging all 5 senses, let nature enter through your ears, eyes, nose, mouth, hands and feet- in other words, be present and bathe in the beauty of the forest! This is about the journey not the destination, take your time and engage with the forest without any other distractions :)

When we are in nature, especially near a body of water (lake, ocean, river, waterfall etc.) we are exposed to negative ions- which actually have a positive impact on the body promoting biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin. The human body’s magnetic field is made up of both positive and negative ions, when we are overexposed to positive ions from things like electronics, chemicals, pollution, environmental allergens and modern technology this can create an imbalance draining our energy and promoting depression, anxiety, fatigue, irritability and stress.

If you’re not a winter person, bundle up – I’m talking snow pants, scarf, hat, gloves, parka- and get outside! This will be especially beneficial in the winter as we tend to suffer from fatigue, low mood and the desire to hibernate when days are shorter and colder. We had some incredibly mild and sunny days here in Toronto and I soaked up as much as I could – I would also like to note that spring equinox is less than a month away so the end is near my friends!

Do you have a favourite spot to hangout in nature, or a favourite outdoor activity? Let me know in the comments!

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