Rewilding for Mental Health: Why Spending Time in Nature Heals the Mind

In today’s fast life and age of high technology, mental illness is common. With endless lists, incessant buzzing of digital devices, and the pressures of modern life, stress and anxiety have become part of our existence. Depression reaches over 280 million lives on the planet; a figure crossed each day. One of the main reasons for this epidemic of mental illness is our growing disconnection from nature.

Man has coexisted in harmony with nature for centuries, taking physical and emotional nourishment from its rhythms. But modern ways of living have broken this harmony. We live indoors most of our lives, under artificial light, exposing ourselves to screens and living in concrete surroundings, all of which make us feel disconnected from nature. Being cut off from nature may cause increased stress levels, mood disorders, and a further risk of mental illness.

The good news? We can fix this by adopting rewilding. Rewilding, the practice of reconnecting with natural habitats, helps us unlock nature’s capacity to heal and restore equilibrium. Studies have shown that outdoors can reduce cortisol levels, boost mood, and improve overall mental health. Whether barefoot walking across the lawn, trekking in the forest, or sitting beside a river, rewilding offers an empowering, evidence-based means to reboot our bodies and minds.

In this article, we’ll understand the benefits of rewilding for our mental health and ways to spend time in nature in our everyday lives. It’s time to step outside, breathe deeply, and rediscover the healing power of the natural world.

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The Science Behind Nature’s Healing Effects

Spending time outdoors helps both physical and mental well-being. It can instantly reduce stress and act as a mood booster. Natural settings can significantly influence physiological systems involved in stress regulation and immune function. For instance, spending time in forest settings has been found to improve the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which play a crucial role in immune defense, as well as lower markers of stress such as cortisol.

Natural exposure to the sun promotes serotonin production, improves mood, and calms your mind. Further, exposure to nature has also been associated with better concentration, creativity, and mood regulation.

Read More: How Nature Boosts Your Health: 7 Amazing Perks

Forest Bathing & Nature Therapy: Do They Work?

Forest bathing has been trending for years and is cherished by many. It is also referred to as the art of Shinrin-Yoku, a Japanese art. It involves spending time in a forest to relax and feel mentally healthy. Research indicates that forest bathing helps lower stress hormone levels.

Accessing green and blue environments such as forests and lakes helps improve focus and gain better mental clarity while reducing stress.  Developing evidence for eco-therapy and nature prescriptions validates the use of these environments.

How Rewilding Helps with Anxiety, Depression & Burnout

Nature environments have grounding effects, making people feel more present and grounded. Exposure to biodiversity can help you feel more aware internally and prevent the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Various studies have shown that rewilding can bring important improvements in mental well-being.

Spending time in nature and the grounding effect makes people feel more at the present moment and in touch with the world around them. Walking barefoot on the grass, hearing birds singing, or feeling the breeze on your skin activates the senses in ways that urban, modern lifestyles tend to shut down. This kind of sensory interaction can profoundly impact mental health by drawing attention away from brooding and excessive screen use—two primary drivers of stress and anxiety.

Exposure to diversity also instills a sense of interest and connection with other beings on this planet. For instance, seeing the web of relationships within nature, e.g., flowers being pollinated by bees or a river carving out terrain, puts things into perspective. It reminds us that we’re part of an interconnected system. This change of perspective can lower feelings of loneliness, a primary factor for depression. Research indicates that feeling awe in nature can bring about higher positive emotions, improved life satisfaction, and even prosocial behaviors such as kindness and generosity.

One study indicated that cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone, were much lower in individuals who spent time in forested environments than in urban areas. Another study showed that organized nature therapy involving activities such as hiking and forest bathing substantially improved mood, motivation, and overall psychological resilience.

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For anyone suffering from burnout, rewilding or forest therapy can be a great option. Whereas urban space is rife with overstimulation and repeated demands, which deplete, natural environments enhance “soft fascination,” a psychological term describing captured attention in a soothing, recuperative manner (like observing wave action or leaf movement in breezes). As such, this helps the mind recover from mental overload and return to tasks every day refreshed.

Easy Ways to Rewild Your Everyday Life

If you are thinking of giving the practice of forest bathing a try, here are a few easy ways to rewild your everyday life:

• Microdosing Nature: Try spending 10-20 minutes a day outside. Not only is this a mood lifter, but it also significantly decreases stress levels.

• Bringing Nature Inside: Another option for rewilding is to add houseplants, natural sounds, or aromatherapy to your place and establish a peaceful environment, even indoors.

• Mindful Outdoor Activities: Practice mindful walking, gardening, or meditation outside. This will help you connect more and feel closer to nature.

Read More: Color Walk Therapy: How Walking with Colors Can Boost Your Mood and Creativity

Final Thoughts: The Future of Rewilding & Mental Wellness

Urban spaces are adopting go-green practices and greener spaces to foster mental well-being. Incorporating them into our spaces is now more straightforward. Several initiatives, such as those of the Scout Association, have made the forest bathing phenomenon robust. These health rewilding efforts aim to reconnect young people with nature and build future conservation.

Adopting nature in everyday life can have long-term positive effects on mental health.

Rewilding is simple. You can begin by making small changes to incorporate nature into your daily routine. Whether you take a short walk in the park or introduce a plant into your working space, these small gestures can make a big difference and open the door to better well-being.