Nature Nurtures Mental Health

Nature is good for the soul, and exercise is good for the body. Combining the two yields a workout that does double-duty.

New research shows that spending just five minutes a day doing physical activity in a natural setting benefits mental health.

Whether you get your natural workout gardening in your own backyard, walking a nature trail, or swimming in a lake, studies have shown a correlation between proximity to nature and an improvement in mood and self-esteem.

All types of green spaces studied offered similar mental health advantages, from urban parks to natural areas near water, which seemed to amplify the positive health effects.

These latest findings are particularly good news for those with fast-paced lifestyles and full-time jobs, as they specify a mere five minutes of “green” exercise are required to reap the mental health benefits.

As physical activity is known to be an effective stress reliever, adding a soul-soothing dose of nature to one’s daily fitness routine can only enhance overall health.

So offer your staff suggestions on incorporating the great outdoors into their regular workouts. For example, take a standard walking routine into the woods, grab a bike and hit a nature trail, or rent a kayak and take to the water at a nearby state park.

Those lucky enough to work in a building surrounded by (or at least within walking distance of) nature should take advantage of it!

Encourage your employees to take a brief midday break from their desk, get outside, and stroll the grounds. Breathe in the fresh air and soak up the sunshine before returning to the office.

This quick nature fix might be just what’s needed to finish out the day physically refreshed and mentally recharged.