Humans are an integral part of nature, and nature is an important part of human life. Nature is what provides us with the resources to build shelter, all of the tools we use, and all of the machines we use. Most importantly nature provides us with the food we need to survive, however it also provides stress relief, relaxation, and happiness. Depending on time constraints, one must choose an activity that works best for their schedule. Many activities only take 30 minutes while some may take hours. Some of the most common nature activities include going for a walk, swimming outdoors, picnicking, hiking, hunting, or even taking wildlife/nature photographs; all are great ways to get out into nature. Even if nature activities are not your favorite, they are a great way to escape the stresses of life. Nature is beneficial to all regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (Cheesbrough et al., 2019, as cited in Rapuano et al., 2022). 

Without the release that nature provides, many can become, or feel, disconnected from the planet they call home. Feeling disconnected from nature may lead to feelings depression, anxiety, and stress. This may be due to the amount of screen time many jobs require, and the constant use of cell phones. It has been found that college students who spend less time outdoors, and more time looking at a screen, have more frequent and consistent mental health symptoms (Deyo et al., 2021). However, it is hard to get out in nature when most jobs/workplaces don’t allow for frequent outdoor activity, and even if there is outdoor activity it usually isn’t in nature. In order to combat that issue, make space on your schedule during a time where you would watch TV or movie. Do anything in your power to try and take at least 15 minutes out of a day, or week, to go for a walk. It will be more beneficial for one’s mental health to engage in nature activities for a small amount of time, rather than not getting out in nature at all. Overall, the modern day requires much more screen time and indoor work, which rips us away from nature and all of its benefits. So, we must actively try to engage in activities in nature and take time out of our schedules to do so. The other leisure activities that get pushed aside for nature will only feel better and more relaxing once you add nature into the mix.

References

Rapuano, M., Ruotolo, F., Ruggiero, G., Masullo, M., Maffei, L., Galderisi, A., Palmieri, A., & Iachini, T. (2022). Spaces for relaxing, spaces for recharging: How parks affect people’s emotions. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 81, 1–8. https://doi-org.proxy-tu.researchport.umd.edu/10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101809

Cheesbrough, A., Garvin, T., & Nykiforuk, C. (2019). Everyday wild: Urban natural areas, health, and well-being. Health & Place, 56, 43-52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.01.005

Deyo, A., Wallace, J., & Kidwell, K. M. (2023). Screen time and mental health in college students: Time in nature as a protective factor. Journal of American college health: J of ACH, 1–8. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2151843