Regulating Our Moods with a Dose of the Outdoors
As the weather warms and shade returns to the trees, it’s impossible not to be in awe of Mother Nature’s ability to come back to life after the winter. Writers, poets and thinkers have compared our Earth’s seasons to the human life cycle for thousands of years. While we may appreciate the metaphors connecting the human journey with the seasons, the science of nature may point to a deeper connection. Evidence suggests that our physical bodies and brains yearn for the outdoors and experience a type of physiological co-regulation with our natural world.
According to one study, children’s stress levels decrease within minutes of just seeing green spaces, which means that being outside may be a simple, no-cost antidote to an overstressed child. The way nature engages multiple senses all at once (called “multimodal input”), may be an easy remedy to the stress we experience when our sensory inputs are monotonous for extended periods. Nature’s multimodal input can increase positive feelings like tranquility and peace, which we can all use more of.
Multi-modal input = The Five Senses
Sight- While being out in nature is ideal, viewing nature has been repeatedly shown to reduce anxiety and stress, reduce hospital stays for the ill, lower heart rate, and increase attention. If you don’t have access to a window in your work environment, bring a plant indoors or step outside for a few minutes during the day. If you’re able, face your chair towards a window where you can have visual relief from the indoors with views of greenspace, water, or the sky.
Sound- Studies imply that hearing nature sounds can increase recovery of the sympathetic nervous system. This means that hearing nature sounds can reduce our body’s stress response and bring our nervous system into balance. Scientists believe this is because nature sounds are indicators of safety. When birds chirp and animals move in the leaves, it’s our brain’s cue that our environment is free of predators who may harm us.
Smell- Smells that remind us of the outdoors can trigger any of the positive feelings we have about nature. Think of the smell of freshly turned dirt, cut grass, flowers, or rain. When we can’t take a walk in the woods to experience those smells directly, we can recreate those scents with potted plants or freshly cut flowers in our indoor environment; or you can simply step outside for a few deep breaths when you hear the familiar sound of a mower.
Taste- One of the best ways to taste nature is to grow your own herbs and foods. A backyard or potted garden moves you outside and gives you the added benefit of exposure to soil (scientists say it’s good for our gut), with the simple reward of tasting the difference in the fresh produce you’ve raised versus the store. If that feels out of reach, think of small herb pots in a windowsill in your home, or make plans to visit a berry farm or apple orchard.
Touch- Touch is the first sense to develop in utero and our first comfort from our parents when we are born. When we think of touch as it relates to nature, think of animals. Animals have been humans’ closest companions and workmates for thousands of years so it’s no surprise that petting animals reduces our blood pressure, improves our social responses, and increases relaxation and comfort. If you aren’t able to commit to a pet, look locally for goat yoga or an animal rescue that allows petting and cuddling.
Studies also show that spending time in nature increases feelings of empathy and love. As the weather warms, find time to refresh your mind and renew your spirit by taking in nature using each of your five senses.
Written by Katie Anthony, Marriage and Family Therapy Clinical Intern
