.png)
Calming Effect Of Nature
​
Being in the presence of nature can help you focus on the present moment, promoting mindfulness and reducing the constant stream of stressful thoughts.
​
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment, without judgment. When you engage with nature mindfully, you focus on the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations around you. This focused attention on nature can help calm your mind and reduce stress by redirecting your thoughts away from worries and preoccupations.
​
​
Reduced Cortisol
Practicing mindfulness in nature can also help to improve your overall well-being by:
Reducing Rumination:
Mindfully observing nature can interrupt negative thought patterns and reduce rumination, which is a common factor in stress and anxiety.
​
Lowering Cortisol Levels:
Cortisol is a stress hormone that can have negative effects on the body when elevated over long periods. Mindful engagement with nature has been shown to lower cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, is released by our bodies in response to various stressors or perceived threats. These stressors can range from external factors like deadlines, conflicts, or internal factors such as worries, self-criticism, or negative thoughts.
When a stressful situation arises, the mind perceives a potential threat and signals the release of cortisol to prepare the body for a fight-or-flight response. This response is an evolutionary mechanism designed to help us deal with immediate danger by increasing alertness, energy, and focus. In the short term, cortisol serves a protective function by mobilising resources to cope with the perceived threat effectively.
For example, if you encounter a poisonous spider, the release of cortisol triggers a physical and psychological response that prompts you to react quickly to protect yourself from harm. In this way, cortisol plays a vital role in ensuring survival in dangerous situations.
However, prolonged or chronic elevation of cortisol levels can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental well-being. Constant stress and high cortisol levels can lead to a variety of health issues, including anxiety, depression, digestive problems, insomnia, weight gain, and compromised immune function.
​
Practicing mindfulness in nature can be a powerful tool for managing stress, reducing cortisol levels, and promoting overall well-being. When you engage in mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, guided meditation, or simply being present in nature, you create a space for relaxation, reflection, and mental clarity. This mindful awareness helps regulate cortisol levels, reduce the impact of stressors, and promote a sense of calm and balance.
​
By immersing yourself in the natural environment and focusing on the present moment without judgment, you can cultivate a peaceful mindset, enhance your resilience to stress, and improve your overall quality of life. Nature offers a tranquil and grounding backdrop that can facilitate mindfulness practices, allowing you to disconnect from the pressures of everyday life and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
Increasing Positive Emotions:
Being mindful in nature can evoke positive emotions such as awe, gratitude, and happiness. These positive emotions can counteract the effects of stress and promote overall well-being.
​
Enhancing your Focus and improving your Concentration:
Practicing mindfulness in nature can improve your ability to focus and concentrate, which can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress.
​
Overall, incorporating mindfulness practices in nature into your routine can be a powerful tool for stress reduction and improving your mental well-being.
Harmony in Green
Bringing nature into your backyard or garden can provide a therapeutic environment that promotes relaxation and stress reduction. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature can have a calming effect on the mind and body, helping to lower cortisol levels and reduce stress.
Further more the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, or the gentle flow of water can be soothing and grounding.
in addition having greenery in your garden further enhances the benefits of nature for stress reduction.
The colour green is known to have a calming effect on the eyes and mind, making it easier to relax and unwind. Given the fact that green naturally helps relax the mind people who are involved with Gardening understand how therapeutic it is to be engaged in gardening activities.
​
a study published online in 2019 by Frontiers in Psychology explains the effects of green colours effect on humans very clear. The study illustrates that walking on a treadmill while watching greenery reduces heart rate while other colours such as red and white had no impact on heart rate. This shows the calming and relaxing effect of green on the human organism. if you want to view the study and read more please ( click here )
​
The simple act of gardening, especially during the vibrant summer season can be very rewarding. Consider designating a special corner of your garden for gardening activities with kids,( if any ), and guide them through the essential steps for healthy planting. To create a serene environment, make sure the gardening area is bird-friendly to avoid startling them, and ensure your little helpers wear gloves and appropriate clothing for safety.
​
To enrich your gardening experience further, set up a cozy outdoor space with chairs and tables with greenery. If you prefer artificial plants, include them in your decor for added charm. Arrange your outdoor seating away from bird- feeders areas to maintain a peaceful bird-watching experience. Let your garden radiate with life and vitality by incorporating these thoughtful touches.
​
Here is a quote from a research that was published by kingston college on the effects of bird watching or hearing. QUOTE "New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London has found that seeing or hearing birds is associated with an improvement in mental wellbeing that can last up to eight hours " ( click here ) to view this study.
​
Overall, creating a peaceful outdoor space with elements of nature in your backyard can provide relaxation, mindfulness, and stress relief. By immersing yourself in this natural environment, you can help counteract the effects of stress hormones like cortisol and promote a greater sense of well-being.
​
Please note this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalised recommendations and guidance related to your health and well-being.
​
Have a question ? let us know
or if your on mobile simply click on the mail symbol at the bottom of the screen