Here’s why spending some time in nature contributes to a significant part of our wellbeing…

Friday: Everson’s High-P Fridays FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: A lot of us, if not all, have been staying at home most of the time nowadays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I admit. Staying at home almost all the time can sometimes get tiring. But why? It’s because our brains and bodies are wired to go out, interact with other people, and see something new as regularly as we can. Spending some time in nature is also a large part of this system. Keep reading to know why spending an hour or two in nature is important and how it is necessary to make you happier, healthier, and more productive. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

Here’s why spending some time in nature contributes to a significant part of our wellbeing… According to a report led by the University of Exeter and published in the journal, “Scientific Reports,” people who spend at least 120 minutes (2 hours) in nature per week are healthier than those who don’t go outside at all. In the words of Dr. Mat White, the person who led the University of Exeter Medical School’s study, “It is well known that getting outdoors in nature can be good for people’s health and well-being but until now we’ve not been able to say how much is enough. Two hours a week is hopefully a realistic target for many people, especially given that it can be spread over an entire week to get the benefit.” Do you also like going out sometimes to commune with nature? Personally, even though I am not an expert in science or on how our body operates, I feel how nature changes us and refreshes us. It’s literally a breath of fresh air! Every time I go out into the great outdoors, I come back home feeling renewed of my strength and more motivated to do my regular tasks. I’m pretty sure you feel this sensation too whenever you go out into nature or at least go out to bond and catch up with your peers. However… Nowadays, we live in a domesticated environment. Most of us spend our typical days like this: Getting up, getting dressed, driving to work, sitting in an office cubicle, driving home, making dinner, watching some shows on TV, then going to bed. … the cycle repeats. Especially now that COVID-19 has happened, our environment―even homes―has become more domesticated. Sure, we don’t go out most of the time because we want to stay safe but that’s where the trouble lies. It makes us feel like we’ve lost a sense of freedom, of being able to go out and develop a connection with nature. So, if you feel tired and/or drained and you want to reset your body, one good remedy is to connect with nature. This doesn’t mean you have to go against the government’s order to stay indoors to help contain the virus. If you’re allowed to go somewhere else where there are lots of greeneries, then great! Schedule a time to go to that place but make sure you follow all safety protocols. On the other hand, if the government unit in your area strictly prohibits going outdoors, don’t sulk. There are still other ways you can connect with nature even from home. Grow some seedlings in your backyard or garden… Talk to your plants… Take 5 minutes off from work and go to your garden and savor the feeling of being surrounded by plants… Even if you can’t go somewhere else, these things will help refresh your mind, body, and soul. That is why it’s important to have plants around your house. Indulging yourself in nature increases your performance and makes you healthier, stronger, and more productive. Here are some ways to get more of the natural world into your daily life: Stay local. According to the University of Exeter’s study, which we talked about a while ago, even visiting green spaces within two miles from your home has a lot of health benefits. This means even if you’re just going to a local park where there are lots of greeneries, you can still experience refreshment and a better outlook throughout the day! Take a daily walk outdoors. Taking half an hour a day will help you achieve a two-hours-with-nature quota for the week. So, push yourself to wake up early and go out for a walk. Not only will this allow you to spend time in nature but it will also make you fitter and more physically active! Eat outside. Instead of eating your meals at your usual closed and cemented space, why not try eating outside where the view is great? When I say “great,” I mean there are a lot of plants and nature vibes in the place. This is because spending time in nature while eating is a way to calm your nerves and relax. If you do this during your lunch break at work, you’ll see how this will positively impact your performance for the latter half of your work shift. Pay attention to “fractals.” Fractals are the patterns that repeat over and over again in small magnification. … and since these things are often menial, we tend to disregard them or not notice them in our usually busy lives. But there’s no harm in trying to pay attention to fractals, right? You may do this by taking time to look up at clouds passing by or observing tree branches swaying in the breeze. According to the University of Exeter’s study, paying attention to fractals helps decrease your stress levels by up to 60%. Try forest bathing. Forest bathing means immersing yourself in nature, ideally by taking a stroll under a canopy of trees. … and just like a regular bath in the shower, forest bathing carries numerous benefits! These include: Lower stress levels Improved mood Increased energy Don’t let your busy schedule or even the pandemic hinder you from spending time in nature. You need that―we all need that to keep our sanity! Just like what American naturalist John Burroughs said, “I go to nature to be soothed, healed, and have my senses put in order.” For a daily version of this newsletter, please subscribe here. Follow us on LinkedIn.   Do you know someone who would enjoy this article? SHARE IT