Spending time in natural environments can have a powerful and measurable impact on our mental wellbeing, offering a natural remedy to modern psychological stress.
With rising rates of anxiety and depression, especially among young people, many are turning to the outdoors not just for leisure, but for healing. The relationship between nature and mental health benefits is increasingly backed by science, psychology and lived experience.
Why Does Nature Impact Our Mental Health?
Human beings are wired to respond positively to natural settings. Evolutionarily, our brains are designed to function optimally in calm, open environments that provide sensory variety and a break from artificial stimuli. Unlike busy cityscapes and screen-heavy routines, natural surroundings reduce cognitive overload, helping us reset emotionally and mentally. When immersed in nature, levels of cortisol tend to decrease, promoting a sense of calm and clarity.
One study found that people who spend at least two hours a week in green spaces are significantly more likely to report good health and psychological wellbeing. This time doesn’t have to be all at once, it can be broken into shorter visits across the week, making it accessible even to those with demanding schedules.
How Does Nature Help With Anxiety in Children?
Anxiety in youth has become a growing concern worldwide, with many children and teenagers facing academic pressure, social media demands and overstimulation. Nature provides a crucial form of relief.
Outdoor activities like walking, hiking gardening or even playing in parks allow young people to engage their senses and escape the constant flow of information. Time spent in green spaces has been shown to improve attention and regulate mood in children and adolescents.
A global review of research found that a significant majority of children report feeling happier and calmer when spending time in natural environments. This comes from reduced anxiety levels, better sleep and improved emotional regulation. Exposure to nature can also increase confidence and foster social interaction, both of which are protective factors for mental health in developing minds.
Can Nature Complement Therapy?
Yes, nature can be an effective complement to psychological therapy. Some therapists even practise ecotherapy, which involves structured therapeutic work conducted outdoors. Whether it is walking sessions in parks or therapeutic horticulture, these approaches allow individuals to experience healing in an environment that feels less clinical and more freeing. While traditional therapy remains essential for many, incorporating nature can enhance outcomes, particularly for those who struggle with sitting in confined spaces or verbal expression.
For individuals undergoing treatment for conditions like anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress, even incorporating gentle nature exposure into daily routines can make a meaningful difference. Simple activities such as journalling outside, meditating in the park or joining a group walk can reinforce therapeutic goals and improve mood regulation.
What If You Live In A Busy City?
Living in an urban environment does not mean you cannot access the mental health benefits of nature. Many cities around the world are investing in green infrastructure such as public parks, rooftop gardens and waterfront spaces to encourage a stronger connection to nature.
Even brief daily contact, such as walking through a tree-lined street or taking a moment to sit in a park, can provide benefits. Indoor plants, nature soundscapes and natural light can also help bring elements of the outdoors into your daily life.
Urban nature may look different from rural or wilderness settings, but it still offers real psychological advantages. Incorporating greenery into your personal and professional spaces is a practical way to support mental health, even amid a fast-paced lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Nature and mental health benefits are deeply interconnected, offering a simple yet powerful pathway to emotional balance. Whether you are dealing with anxiety as a child, have stress from a high pressure job or just need space to breathe, spending time outdoors can ground and restore you.
With mounting evidence in its favour and practical ways to incorporate it into everyday life, nature remains one of the most accessible mental health tools available. Reconnecting with the natural world, even in small ways, can play a valuable role in supporting overall wellbeing.
