Be honest: How much time do you spend staring at a screen each day? Is it a few hours, the majority of your waking time, or from the moment your eyes open to the minute your eyes close?

It’s absolutely understandable if you find it difficult to pull away from the digital world. Many of us work jobs that require us to be online. We stay connected with friends and family through social media. We relax by streaming movies or playing video games. 

But the thing is, we also tend to forget about the serenity and vitality of the natural world. Nature’s healing powers are linked to a host of cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health, and emotional wellbeing.

So what is the meaning of nature healing? Exposure to nature can help build a stronger immune system, enhance sense of wonder and empathy, alleviate depression and anxiety, as well as heal you from trauma, chronic diseases, and any lingering issues.

Why time outdoors is a necessity, not a mere luxury

Exposure to nature – be it spending time outdoors, taking a walk, or simply admiring the view – is not a mere luxury, but rather a much-needed necessity for holistic healing. The natural world offers a much-needed break from the constant stimuli of the digital world. 

“A forest, a waterfall, a mountain, or for that matter, a tree, a creek, or a rock – these realities surpass our ability to fully comprehend them, and when faced with this sublimity and mystery, we are renewed.” – The Heights Forum

Scientific research has shown that natural environments can induce a calming state, lower blood pressure, and decrease stress hormones – all of which are functions governed by the parasympathetic nervous system. So whether it’s a walk in the park or a mountain hike, outdoor activities play a key role in promoting our overall health and wellbeing.

The parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system, kicks into gear during moments of calm and relaxation. This is particularly triggered during time spent in natural environments. When we engage in outdoor activities, our bodies respond by slowing the heart rate, increasing intestinal and gland activity, and relaxing sphincter muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. 

As a result, our bodies are able to effectively digest food and absorb nutrients, maintain a balanced heart rate, and promote a state of serenity and tranquillity. This underscores one of the benefits of being outdoors: the ability to maintain a healthy balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) systems.

Equally important is the chance to disconnect from screens. The nature cure also allows us to have space for introspection and mindfulness. We’re able to think more positively and calmly with a clearer headspace.

The healing powers of nature

1. Build a stronger immune system

Nature’s role in building a stronger immune system is multifaceted and profoundly effective. Regular exposure to natural environments stimulates the production of anti-cancer proteins, which can last up to several days after a forest visit. 

Natural sunlight helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, a crucial component for strong bones and effective immune function. 

Green spaces are also often less polluted than urban environments. This results in better air quality and healthier respiratory systems.

2. Enhance sense of wonder and empathy

Spending time in nature enhances our sense of wonder by continually presenting us with unexpected marvels and mysteries. 

The grandeur of a towering mountain. The subtle beauty of a blooming flower. The marvel of panoramic sceneries that don’t have to be posted on Instagram right away. 

The sudden sight of a rainbow after a summer shower can fill us with awe, reminding us of the enchanting unpredictability of the natural world. The meticulous design of a spider’s web, with its geometric perfection and resilient structure, can spark curiosity about the intricate processes of life that often go unnoticed. 

Empathy is also nurtured through nature.

Nature puts things into perspective. You realise there’s this huge, beautiful world out there, and your own issues seem a bit smaller. That shift in your worldview can make you more empathetic towards others because you’re not as wrapped up in your own thoughts.

Think about this: When you’re in nature and you see how everything works together – plants, animals, the weather – it’s like a lesson in how we’re all connected. It’s a reminder that everyone’s actions affect others.

3. Alleviate depression and anxiety 

Urban dwellers are often found to be more susceptible to anxiety and mood disorders compared to those residing in rural areas. This higher prevalence can be attributed to a number of factors. 

Firstly, urban living often involves a faster paced, high-stress lifestyle, with constant sensory stimulation and less time for relaxation or introspection. This can lead to chronic stress, a common trigger for mood disorders. 

Secondly, as discussed earlier, city environments typically lack adequate green spaces which provide the calming, restorative effect of nature. This can result in lower exposure to nature’s beneficial effects on mental health. 

Lastly, urban areas often suffer from more pollution – both noise and air – which can negatively impact both physical health, contributing to chronic conditions, and mental health, leading to an increased risk of anxiety and mood disorders. 

Nature is a powerful antidepressant.

It offers therapeutic benefits that are just as impactful as traditional treatments. Exposure to natural environments can stimulate the release of mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain – such as serotonin and dopamine – which play a vital role in combating depressive symptoms. 

This underscores the importance of integrating more nature into urban living, be it through city parks, rooftop gardens, or even indoor plants.

4. Heal from trauma, chronic diseases, and lingering issues

The healing power of nature extends beyond physical health and touches the realm of emotional and psychological healing. It has been linked to symptom relief for health issues like heart disease, depression, cancer, anxiety and attention disorders.

Nature, in its immense beauty and serenity, provides a gentle and empathic environment conducive to the process of recovery.  

This gentle acceptance by the natural world mirrors the empathy that trauma survivors often need from their human support system. They need a safe space. They need to feel secure to express, feel, and process their painful experiences. 

How to make the most out of your time outdoors

1. Put your phone away

Reduce distractions. Disconnect from your devices. This is your time to resist the ensnarement of the digital world. This means not just putting your phone on silent but keeping it out of sight. Be present in the moment.

2. Use all of your senses

Engage all your senses to experience nature more deeply.

• Sight: Observe the variety of colours, the movement of leaves in the wind, or the patterns of the sky.
• Hearing: Listen to the sounds of birds, insects, water, or the rustle of trees.
• Smell: Inhale the scents of flowers, fresh rain, or the earthiness of the forest.
• Touch: Feel the texture of leaves, the roughness of tree bark, or the coolness of a stream.
• Taste: You might taste the freshness of the air, or if in a suitable environment, sample edible berries or herbs.

3. Try simple outdoor exercises

Incorporate physical activity into your outdoor time. This doesn’t have to be strenuous; it can be as simple as a gentle walk, stretching, yoga, or tai chi. These exercises can help you feel more grounded and connected to your environment.

4. Choose an environment you feel comfortable in

Select a setting where you feel at ease and happy. It could be a bustling city park, a quiet forest, a beach, your backyard, or even one of our wellness retreats. Comfort is key to enjoying your time outdoors.

Highlands Centre for Healing: Nurtured by nature 

Once again, think about how much time you spend staring at your phone, laptop, TV. During this period of time, your brain is always “on”. Imagine swapping that for a few days in the Southern Highlands of Australia.

At the Highlands Centre for Healing, you’ll experience the kind of view that makes you stop and actually forget to check your phone. You’ll also get the chance to try equine therapy against the backdrop of rolling hills, lush greenery, and nature walks.

No emails, no social media, no constant buzzing of notifications. Just you, nature, and a community of like-minded people looking to recharge. Step away from the digital world and “into” the world that’s been there all along. Your path to healing, nurtured by nature, begins here.