How Nature can Enhance our Wellbeing

In an era of technology and smartphones, we are experiencing a growing disconnection from our natural surroundings. In fact, we frequently overlook our profound relationship with nature, and the benefits of nurturing that connection. A growing body of research is investigating the positive effects that interacting with nature can have on our overall wellbeing.

How does nature impact us?

There are various ways in which nature can have positive effects on our overall health. This is based on the notion that humans are a component of the natural ecosystem, and as such they are interconnected with it and affected by it. For example, it was demonstrated that even just the sight of a natural environment from a hospital window can help facilitate a faster recovery. Similarly, nature sounds have been demonstrated to have a relaxing effect and to help with recovery from stress. One theory proposes that as natural environments are less perceptually demanding than urban scenes, they require less attention, which allows our brains to relax more.

How to incorporate more nature time in our daily lives

With our busy schedules, it might be difficult to find time to spend in nature. Here are some easy ways to incorporate more nature into your daily life.

1. Move your activities outside

Even if you live in a city, parks, rivers, and natural spots might be available to you. If that is the case, think if you can for example take your lunch break outside, or if you can walk to work instead of driving or taking public transportation.

2. Exercise in nature

A walk, a jog, a workout session – whatever your exercise of choice is, think if you can move your practice outside.

3. Start a hobby that involves nature

Some of these might be gardening, hiking, camping, or bird watching.

4. Bring nature inside

It has been shown that having plants, flowers, and natural smells in our house or office can improve mood and reduce anxiety. If spending time outside is not as accessible to you, think if you can find a way to decorate your space with natural elements.

5. Try Ecotherapy

Ecotherapy (also known as green therapy or nature therapy) is a nature-based approach to therapy and overall wellbeing. Nature has been shown to have great positive effects on mental and physical health, with evidence of reduced depression and anxiety symptoms. Ecotherapy involves a wide range of activities, such as horticultural therapy, wilderness therapy, or pet therapy.

Nature for everyone

Spending more time in nature can be beneficial for anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. If you struggle with mental health issues, time in nature has been shown to promote relaxation, reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve overall wellbeing. Nature is also beneficial for neurodivergent individuals as it can provide a non-judgemental environment where they can experience sensory engagement, emotional regulation, and social interaction. It's not just adults who can benefit either, spending time in nature can positively impact the physical and mental health of children too, as well as promoting their cognitive development, confidence, and self-esteem. Lastly, connecting with nature can foster a sense of responsibility and promote an engagement with the conservation of our planet.

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Ways to Build a Better Relationship with Your Parents

Relationships with parents or caregivers can be complex and families come in many different shapes and sizes. The idea of a traditional, nuclear family is no longer relevant in today’s society. However you were raised and whoever provided care for you is still integral to your future and personal identity so it’s important to understand your relationship and how it can be improved.

Firstly, you might want to ask yourself the following questions to gain clarity on whether you have a healthy or unhealthy relationship and if it needs to improve:

• Can you talk openly with your parents without fear of judgement?
• Do you feel that your parents are controlling?
• Do you feel loved?

As we become adults, our relationships with our parents can change, possibly because they don’t have as much control as they once did, and sometimes this can put a strain on our bond.

The importance of a healthy relationship

The relationships we have with our parents are some of the most important and influential that we’ll ever have because they can determine how we perceive the world and ourselves. In a report by the American Psychological Association it states that:

“Parents and caregivers make sure children are healthy and safe, equip them with the skills and resources to succeed as adults, and transmit basic cultural values to them. Parents and caregivers offer their children love, acceptance, appreciation, encouragement, and guidance. They provide the most intimate context for the nurturing and protection of children as they develop their personalities and identities and also as they mature physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially.”

But what if that isn’t how you were raised or what if your parents didn’t live up to idealisations and expectations? Regardless of how they raised you, they will undoubtedly have had a huge role in shaping the person you are today. For some people, their parents may have caused some internal scarring which has affected their mental wellbeing. Perhaps they lack self-confidence or struggle to maintain healthy personal relationships due to not knowing how to demonstrate love or forgiveness.

Ways to improve our relationships with our parents

Before we can begin to make changes, it’s important to remember that our parents or caregivers are human, and nobody is perfect. However, that doesn’t excuse all behaviours, but we should be realistic and understand the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship.

1. Know what kind of relationship you want and communicate that clearly without attacking or judgement.
2. Be accountable for your own identity. As adults, we choose our own identity and although we might feel resentment or want to blame our parents for how we’ve turned out, we can still choose our behaviours.
3. Practise self-love and acceptance rather than relying on your parents. People are different and have different views on the world but that shouldn’t form the basis of an unhealthy parental relationship.
4. Put boundaries in place. As an adult you can decide what you’re willing to accept in your life and it’s okay to set boundaries, even for your parents. Whether that’s not allowing them to come into your home without consent, dictating how you live your life or criticising your friends/partner.