A Simple, Yet Powerful Habit To Boost Your Mental Wellbeing and Performances

Recently, I returned to Girraween Environmental Lodge, nestled on the edge of the beautiful Girraween National Park. This place is special because there is no phone service or internet in the lodges, encouraging us to unplug and fully appreciate nature's beauty.

My brother and partner, visiting from the UK, joined me. While they found it odd not to check their morning news and notifications, it illustrated just how these habits have become ingrained. We spent time in conversation, learned a fun card game, and relished the surrounding beauty. Waking to kookaburras and the sound of kangaroos, it was a refreshing experience. We spotted a snake (fortunately dead), an echidna, and countless stunning birds while hiking the rocky landscape of this incredible region.

Technology, Gadgets and Overuse of Social Media Can Harm Our Health

Excessive phone and social media use is increasingly shown to impact our mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and the sense of always being “on.” Studies reveal that the average person checks their phone more than 150 times a day, with research linking high usage to heightened anxiety, depression, and disrupted sleep. This addiction to our devices diminishes focus and mental health as we chase the dopamine “hits” they provide.

Conversely, time spent in nature offers powerful benefits. We feel calmer, more connected, our stress levels and blood pressure levels fall and our mood improves.

Biologist E.O. Wilson eloquently said:

?“Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive, and even spiritual satisfaction.”

There is a massive amount of research supporting nature’s benefits. Forest Bathing, or ‘Shinrin-Yoku’, gained popularity in Japan in the 1980s as a remedy for urban stress. This practice of immersing oneself in nature by mindfully engaging with the forest’s sights, sounds, and smells is scientifically shown to reduce cortisol, lower blood pressure, boost mood, and even strengthen our immune systems.

Trees emit natural substances known as phytoncides, which enhance the production of the body's “natural killer” cells—crucial defenders against infections and diseases.?

Moreover, even 20 minutes in nature, three times a week, can boost memory, cognition and reduce stress. We can all benefit from nature’s healing effects:

Here are Three Ways To Benefit From The Positive Impact of Nature

1. Take a quick stroll during the day - especially if you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Give yourself the gift of a break, as you will come back fresher and with greater clarity and energy.
2. Spend a day outdoors each month. A Finnish study showed that city dwellers improved their wellbeing by spending at least five hours in nature each month.
3. Take an extended stay in nature a few times each year. Three days or more is optimal, as the brain produces alpha waves that help reset thinking patterns, enhance creativity, and prevent burnout. For example, U.S. Military veterans who spent four days white-water rafting saw a 29% reduction in PTSD symptoms and a 21% decrease in stress. Their relationships, happiness, and overall satisfaction with their lives all improved.

So, when will you next give yourself the gift of time in nature, and where will you go?

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