I recently told my fiance, Ryan, how much I miss our outdoor weekend adventures. Ever since winter hit I’ve felt my spirit dull slightly. I also found out I am deficient in Vitamin D – I need more sun!

I’m currently reading a book called The Nature Fix, which addresses the idea that nature can make us happier, healthier, and more creative. So, how much does nature really affect our brains?

As more people are moving to urban environments, we are starting to fall too far from nature. Our brains and bodies evolved in natural, not urban, environments. The sun and trees feed our bodies. We were born to be outside. Studies show that even a few minutes in nature can lower your stress levels and blood pressure, and positively impact your attention span and creativity. The longer you spend in nature, the more significant these benefits will be. The Finnish people believe you should spend a minimum of  five hours a month in nature for effects to be noticeable – that seems do-able, right?

In Japan, they practice a concept called “forest bathing”or “shinrin yoku.” City-dwellers leave their urban environments to walk in nature, inhale the scents of the trees, and shower themselves in greenery. They believe that civilization and nature can – and should – live in harmony. And you can see evidence of this throughout Japanese cities. Just turn a corner and all of a sudden you’re in a peaceful temple area surrounded by nature. I love how beautifully they weave nature in their everyday lives.

Read more about my time in Japan.

Another concept I learned about in this book is brain resting. Brain resting is what happens during a period of “soft fascination.” This occurs when you are watching something that entices, but does not demand, your attention. Soft fascination is the feeling you get while watching a sunset or a spring rain shower. These restorative landscapes are interesting, but not too interesting that they demand so much of your attention. It’s important to give your brain a break and simply be. Admittedly, I have not mastered the art of meditation, I just can’t sit still that long. But I do see the benefit of sitting and watching a rain shower from your porch, or being quiet during a sunset. I think that is a form of meditation all to itself! Nature mediation. Naturtation? 🙂

Human brains evolved in natural, not man-made environments. Spending time in nature can heal us spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Here are a few actionable ways to incorporate a bit more nature in your life to improve your brain’s (and spirit’s) health:

• Wake up early to watch the sunrise from your deck or front door.
• Take a walk outside before, during, or after work.
  • When weather permits, I take a 45 minute walk outside most days around lunchtime with a few co-workers. It’s a great way to clear my head and breathe in some fresh air.
  •  If you had a bad day, take a walk to clear the negative energy before walking in your front door. Try not to bring that bad energy into your home.
• Sleep with your window open – fresh air is delicious! Unless it’s too cold. Or allergy season – yuck.
• Have lots of live plants around your house and in your office. A little greenery on my desk cheers me up.
• In cities, try to walk near trees or water if possible. According to the book, 45 minutes in a city park, even one with pavement and crowds, can boost your mood.
  • Tip: Take your shoes off and/or sit on the grass. We’ve lost touch with the actual EARTH, with all the sidewalks and pavement we’re exposed to. Reconnect with Earth’s energy by sitting outside on the grass. When it was really nice out the other day, I took a break at work and read outside for 30 minutes on the grass. It was such a nice treat!
• Plan vacations to places that have nature nearby or take a day/weekend trip to a regional or national park.
• If you live in an apartment with a deck or balcony, transform it into your own oasis. I recently purchased these wooden tiles to lay on my balcony. As spring approaches I will be filling it with plants, flowers, a small water fountain and comfy loungers. Voilà! A personal oasis.

To learn more detailed information about how nature can make you happier, healthier and more creative, check out “The Nature Fix ” by Florence Williams.

How do you plan to incorporate more nature into your every day?