How Nature Nurtures Spring Wellness —No Shoes Nutrition

The Role of Nature in Spring Wellness

By: Roxane Shymkiw

Where is your happy place? Chances are, it’s somewhere in nature. Do you ever wonder why you feel more relaxed and focused after spending time outdoors? Science has shown us that there is a strong connection between time spent in nature and positive mental health effects. Nature plays an important role in your well-being and can impact mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Is it true that springtime affects the body? Absolutely. The longer days and increased sunlight stimulate the release of hormones like serotonin, which improves our mood and energy levels. It can enhance our internal circadian rhythm, giving us a boost in energy, increased focus, and better sleep. Sunlight also increases the production of vitamin D in the body, improving our mood, immune function and bone health.

Each spring, on that first day of bright sunshine, blue skies and warmer weather, everyone is suddenly outside, playing in the park, meeting friends to sit by the river or just walking through the neighbourhood. I don’t know if it’s because we feel like we have been cooped up all winter or if we are just drawn to the outdoors by nature calling out to us, but somehow our bodies are telling us we need to go outside. According to scientists, people who spend more time in nature have better cognitive function and focus and report higher levels of happiness and positivity. Nature can boost endorphin levels and dopamine production, resulting in reduced stress and anxiety and promotion of happiness and satisfaction. Exposure to nature has also been correlated with improved well-being and a stronger sense of belonging. Being outdoors encourages activity, exercise and social interaction, which can lower stress and improve cardiovascular health.

Between our urban environments and spending all day in an office, we can experience mental fatigue and tension from sensory overload. We can offset this by spending time in nature, which studies have shown to have a positive effect on the body by lowering cortisol levels, muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure. Nature helps the body and mind relax, fostering creativity, and allowing us to return more focused and able to concentrate. Connecting with nature can also lead to a greater sense of purpose.

How can nature impact our mental health?

• Attention – Nature can restore our attention and ability to concentrate.

• Mood – Nature can improve mood and feelings of happiness.

• Self-regulation – Nature can help us feel calmer and better able to control our impulses.

• Stress – Nature’s sounds and smells help us feel more relaxed and can reduce heart rate and symptoms of anxiety and physical stress.

• Social – Nature can influence our generosity, cooperation and sense of social connection.

Beyond all the benefits we gain directly from being in nature, spending time outdoors can also foster a sense of connection and stewardship of the natural world.

There are many fun and easy ways to increase your exposure to nature that do not require a great deal of effort.

Try these ways to add more nature to your weekly routine:

1. · Spend time in the parks or take a stroll around the Inglewood bird sanctuary, Fish Creek Provincial Park, Nose Hill Park, or local trails if you aren’t in Calgary!

2. · Sit by the river or a lake and listen to the water.

3. · Move your exercise routine outside.

4. · Take a short walk at lunchtime.

5. · Add plants to your indoor spaces.

6. · Meet friends outdoors to socialize.

7. · Plant a garden in your yard or on your patio.

Immersing yourself in nature is one of the simplest ways to support your overall health and well-being. Nature gives us a calming and restorative space to disconnect from the noise of modern life and reconnect with our mind and body. Why not add nature to your wellness toolbox this spring and make nature a part of your weekly routine? Nature is all around us.

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