ECOPSYCHOLOGY

3 Psychological Benefits of Being in Nature

For those struggling with Nature Deficit Disorder®

Photographed by Jef van de Graaf in Mon Jam, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Whenever I spend too much time in a city, stuck inside my room, or overstressed by work — I crave a hit of nature.

I prefer a strong dose of green grass, purple flowers, and blue skies — however— gloomy grey weather has its merits, too.

If you, like me, need a break from routines and schedules, deadlines and commitments, coronavirus and quarantine — here’s a gentle reminder of the psychological benefits of being in nature.

1. Good Health & Wellbeing

From an epidemiological point of view, exposure to, or ‘contact with,’ nature has been linked to better health and wellbeing.

In a study of 20,000 people, those who spent two hours a week in green spaces, such as local parks and forests, were substantially more likely to report good health and psychological well being than those who don’t.

For people who spent between 1 and 119 minutes in nature, they were no more likely to report higher levels for both health and wellbeing than those in the control group (i.e., those who never had contact with nature).