How much time do you spend in nature every week?
As we head into summer and the days get longer, getting outdoors in nature is easier than ever. Spending time in nature has major benefits for both our physical and mental health but it can be difficult to prioritise, especially for those of us who prefer time indoors. We’re looking at the benefits and barriers to spending time in nature.
The benefits of spending time in nature
Reduced stress levels
If you have a high stress job or lifestyle, Mother Nature can help. Spending time in nature, or even looking at scenes of nature, reduces your blood pressure and heart rate along with reducing the production of stress hormones. Lower stress levels and blood pressure can also help reduce the risk of major health concerns such as heart disease and stroke.
Improved mental health
Nature can be soothing to our minds as well as our bodies. A study by Mind found that 95% of those interviewed said their mood improved after spending time outside. Those experiencing seasonal affective disorder may also find their symptoms improve after spending time outside in daylight.
Reduced pain levels
Spending time outdoors can also help you manage pain. Our instincts help us become absorbed with nature and help take our focus off pain, reducing the impact of pain and helping it become more manageable. This can be particularly beneficial to anyone living with chronic illness or chronic pain.
Whilst there are a range of benefits to spending time in nature, there can also be certain barriers to stopping us from spending time outdoors. Whether it’s working full time, living in urban areas or poor weather, some barriers are out of our control. Here are some of the biggest barriers and how to get around them.
The barriers to spending time in nature
Lack of time
If you have a busy life and you’re juggling responsibilities, it can be hard to find time to spend outdoors. Try modifying steps of your current routine to allow for more time outdoors; for example, you could move your normal gym workout to an outdoor session once per week. By adapting your existing routine, you don’t need to find any additional spare time.
Lack of access
One of the biggest barriers to spending time in nature is a lack of access. For anyone living in a city, access to green space can be more difficult compared to those living in the countryside. It can be difficult to combat a lack of access to green space, especially central cities but researching your local area as much as possible and talking to others can help you stumble upon hidden gems. Even sitting at the bus stop getting fresh air can make a difference.
Safety concerns
For some people living in higher-risk areas, safety concerns can be a barrier to spending time outdoors. If you live somewhere with a high crime rate, you may be reluctant to spend time outdoors. To ease your mind, try and spend time outdoors with friends and family. Going for a walk with a friend or a picnic with your family can help reduce your anxiety around safety.
Medical conditions
According to a recent study, 47% of adults with a long-term illness or condition had been in nature in the past 14 days, compared to 62% of people who didn’t have a long-term illness or condition. If you live with a chronic illness or a disability, accessing green spaces and nature can be more difficult. Utilising your good days and resting during flare-ups can help you benefit from time outside.
Weather
This may have the most universal impact on us in the U.K. – poor weather can be a regular barrier to spending time outside, particularly in the colder months. Rain, snow and ice can make areas more inaccessible and can make certain areas in nature more dangerous. If you’re able to invest in quality waterproofs, you can be more resilient against poor weather. Wellies and raincoats will be your best friend in winter!
Spending time outdoors can have a huge impact on our health and wellbeing but only if we are able to overcome our barriers to spending time in nature. It can be difficult, especially when busy, to find the motivation to get outdoors but even 20 minutes per week can have a big impact on health and wellbeing. Taking opportunities to be outdoors when possible can make all the difference!
If you’re struggling to find the time or way to spend time outside, our lifestyle metrics sessions can help. During these sessions, our Tonic Wellbeing practitioners can help you understand how your lifestyle choices impact your health and wellbeing and help create a tailored plan going forward. We can help you assess your routine and find the time to spend outdoors and benefit from nature. Get in touch with our specialists to find out more.
