How Gratitude, Meditation, and Time in Nature Improves Mental Health

How Gratitude, Meditation, and Time in Nature Improves Mental Health

Mental health is not just about our emotional and psychological well-being, it encompasses our spiritual and social wellness too. Simply put, our mental health is responsible for all aspects of our personal perspectives on life and how we think, feel, and act. Unfortunately, mental health problems can range from mild to severe and can disrupt our daily lives.?

There are many factors that can contribute to mental health difficulties, such as stress, trauma, genetics, and environmental and relational factors. But the good news is, there are also many things we can do to improve our mental health. Let's prioritize our mental well-being by taking care of ourselves both physically and mentally. Remember, your mental health matters!

Here are 3 things that have been shown to be effective in improving mental health: #gratitude, #meditation, and time in #nature.

Gratitude

"If the only prayer you say your whole life in 'Thank You', that will be enough." (Meister Eckhart)

Gratitude (Wood, Froh, & Geraghty, 2010) is the feeling of thankfulness or appreciation for many things in our lives from the mundane to the sublime. It can be expressed in several ways, such as keeping a gratitude journal, writing thank-you notes, or simply taking the time to appreciate the things that we have. After all, what we appreciate, appreciates!

There is a growing body of research that suggests that gratitude can have a positive impact on mental health. For example, one study found that people who kept a gratitude journal for just 10 weeks reported feeling happier and more optimistic than those who did not keep a journal.

Another study found that gratitude can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Study participants who were asked to write about things they were grateful for for just 15 minutes a week showed significant reductions in stress and anxiety levels, compared to those who did not write about gratitude.

Meditation

Meditation is a mind-body practice that involves focusing your attention on the present moment. Meditation can be practiced in all sorts of ways, but they all share the common goal of cultivating presence of mind and inviting stillness.

Meditation has been shown to have a number of benefits for mental health, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Meditation can also help improve sleep quality, boost self-esteem, and increase well-being. One meta-analysis of meditation and health found that results from practicing medication could be categorized into "five groups out of which mental health and vitality, and well-being and quality of life stood out with the largest number of studies."

One study found that people who meditated for just 20 minutes a day for eight weeks reported significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression.

Another study found that meditation can help to improve sleep quality. The study participants who meditated for 45 minutes a day for eight weeks reported sleeping better than those who did not meditate.

Time in Nature

Spending time in nature has been shown to have a number of benefits for mental health, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help to improve mood, boost creativity, and increase feelings of well-being.

One study (expounded upon in TIME Magazine) found that people who spent just 20 minutes walking in nature reported feeling happier and more relaxed than those who walked in an urban environment.

Another study found that spending time in nature can help to improve mood. The study participants who spent 90 minutes walking in nature reported feeling happier and more optimistic than those who walked in an urban environment.

Here is a VERY FUNNY parody on advertisements for psychiatric medications for mental health conditions by prescribing nature to patients.

Conclusion

Gratitude, meditation, and time in nature are three things that have been shown to be effective in improving mental health. People seeking to improve mental health may consider integrating or amplifying any of these practices in daily life.

There are many resources available to help to get started with any of these practices although each are intuitive. It was once said that we must make sure that the things we do are the result of coming to our own conclusions rather that taking someone else's word for it. Books, articles, and websites that offer guidance on how to practice gratitude, meditation, and time in nature can all help. However, once there is a resonance and inspiration that emanates from within, it's time to take action. Sometimes classes and workshops that can help spark such inspired action.

It is important to note that these practices are not a cure for mental health problems. However, they can be helpful in reducing symptoms and improving overall well-being. When struggling with your mental health, it is important to seek professional help.