Over the last 12 months we’re sure many of us have been spending far more time inside than we usually would. Being trapped indoors has ultimately forced us to embrace our natural surroundings and relish using it as a form of escape.
It’s essential to remember that nature helps nurture our mental health. In fact, the evidence of nature’s healing properties has led some cultures to integrate time outdoors into their daily routine. This year Mental Health Awareness Week is putting a big emphasis on nature – and it’s understandable why.
At Ldn Dares, we believe the key to nurturing a positive body image and changing our health and well-being is designing a new body story. By changing the way you think, you can change the way you feel, act and behave. Nature is a big part of this journey and has the ability to change our mood, take away stressors and free our minds and bodies – it is the best self-improvement tool out there, and best of all, it’s completely free.
There is a large amount of evidence which demonstrates the benefits exposure the natural environment has on our health; such as a reduction in negative emotions (e.g. anger, anxiety and sadness) alongside large increased in energy levels [1]. In a 2016 study of 10,000 Brits, it was found that mental distress was significantly lower and life satisfaction higher in those living in urban environment with more green space [2].
“Higher connectedness to nature in men is associated with lower importance placed on appearance and lower internalisation of societal beauty ideals, which in turn has a protective effect on their body images. [2]”
It is the positive results of such research which has led to the introduction of what is now being referred to as ecotherapy. It’s been found that something as simple as calming nature sounds or focussing on natural scenery can distract your mind from negative thinking, reducing worry. High levels of stress or even depression can cause a continual loop of negative thoughts – this is a great way of interrupting that loop. For those who can’t make it outside? Evidence suggests that something as simple as natural sound effects or looking at images of your favourite outdoor spot or places you want to visit can have a similar effect [3].
At Ldn Dares we embody creativity and expression, and we find that immersing ourselves in nature does wonders for this. When we are creating and we get ‘stuck’ for ideas we can go for a walk in nature to gain insight, inspiration and to cleanse our minds – we find this helps with creative problem solving.
See if you notice a difference. We dare you to spend as little as 20 minutes outside, for a minimum of three times a week. And experience the beautiful healing powers of nature.
Written by Ldn Dares Artistic Director and Body Confidence Coach Ursula Joy
Bowler, D., Buyung-Ali, L., Knight, T. & Pullin, A. (2010) ‘A systematic review of evidence for the added benefits to health of exposure to natural environments’. BMC Public Health. 10 (456).
Swarmi, V., Barron, D., Weis, L, Furnham A. (2016) ‘Bodies in Nature: Associations between Exposure to Nature, Connectedness to Nature, and Body Image’ [online]. Available from: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/79532254.pdf [Accessed on 12th March 2021].
Harvard Health Publising. (2021) ‘Sour mood getting you down? Get back to nature’ [online]. Harvard Men’s Health Watch. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature [Accessed on: 24th April 2021].