The powerful impact of Nature.

I am a lover of nature. I didn't know this about myself until my late 20s and more so in my 30s. Hiking, skiing, backpacking, and paddle boarding all became central themes in my life around the age of 30. Nature helped me to heal, connect, and to be present. If I am not in the therapy room you'll probably catch me outside in nature.

Now that we are approaching summer it is a great time to get outside and be in nature. Nature has a powerful impact on our mental health. Being in nature can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. In fact, research has shown that spending time in nature can have a number of positive effects on mental health. Here are just a few ways that nature impacts mental health for the positive:

1. Reducing stress: Spending time in nature can help to reduce stress levels. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can lower cortisol levels, which is a hormone associated with stress. In addition, being in nature can help individuals feel more relaxed and calm, further reducing stress and anxiety.

2. Improving mood: Nature has been shown to improve mood and increase feelings of happiness. This may be due to the fact that being in nature can provide a sense of awe and wonder, which can boost positive emotions. Additionally, exposure to sunlight can increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.

3. Boosting cognitive functioning: Being in nature has been shown to improve cognitive functioning. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can improve attention and focus, which can help individuals be more productive and efficient in their daily lives. I have seen an improvement in this area for me. I know that when I am in nature I am rarely on my phone. I have to be present with what I am doing and I want to be present. It is hard to hike and look at my phone at the same time!

4. Enhancing social connections: Nature can also help to enhance social connections. Being in nature can provide opportunities for social interaction, such as going for a walk with a friend or participating in outdoor activities with a group. In addition, nature can help individuals feel more connected to the larger world, which can increase feelings of social connectedness and reduce feelings of isolation.

Sometimes I am in nature by myself but for the most part, my time is spent with family, friends, and my husband. The connection built and knowing I am not alone has helped my mental health. Next time you are feeling alone ask a friend to go on a hike. You might notice a shift in your mood, a more present state, and a connection to the larger world.

Nature. That about sums up how awesome it is. I have seen how powerful it is for my clients, friends, family, and myself. Nature has a powerful impact on mental health and overall well-being. From reducing stress and improving mood, to boosting cognitive functioning and enhancing social connections, spending time in nature can have a number of positive effects.

As a therapist, it is important for me to encourage clients to incorporate nature into their self-care routine, as it can be an effective way to promote overall well-being. It is also great that Ogden has many accessible trails and outdoor activities. It makes it easier and more accessible.

My hope for everyone this summer is to be able to get out into nature. Happy trails, camping, fishing, hiking, biking, sitting and watching a sunset, boating, playing on the beach - anything and everything is welcome!