It was the year 2010, and I was far from home. I just got admission into a small institution located in a small village. I was there to prepare for a degree program. But there, I got more.

There, I was far from home. But this also means I was far from TVs, social outings with friends, the occasional games, and all other distractions. In fact, I was far from everything except nature – there was an abundance of that in our village institution.

It was the first time I will ever appreciate nature in my adult life. Before that time, all my appreciation of nature has come from watching nature documentaries on TV, coupled with the little appreciation I can get from the small patches of bushes left about in the concrete jungle where I came from.

But in my new abode, there was an abundance of nature, and there was a scarcity of excuse not to enjoy it. I was suffused in nature. I walked to my institution each morning on pathways lined with bushes, wildflowers, and old knotted trees.

It was a special experience in my life and an explosive experience on my brain and consciousness.

I started writing nature poems, and I started writing rapturous letters home. I started seeking time alone among the trees. I was able to contemplate life for the first time in total but blissful silence!

Most of the time, all I have with me were rustling leaves, a feathery wind, and a mind that has started to work like clockwork. It was like a rebirth!

I have encountered nature for the first time, and that experience largely made me what I am today.

Now, it is 2020, and it is time now for an assessment and an article. Although the first few paragraphs opening this article must have given you a quick assessment into my experience with nature, there is more to know. I now know more.

In this article, I won’t use my own experience alone to tell you all you need to know about how spending time in nature can boost your memory and mental health, no, it is 2020, and I will tell you my story now with references to science. Simply because I now know more!

How Ecotherapy Called the Attention of Scientists

Spending time in nature for therapeutic reasons is known as ecotherapy. More often, the therapy is targeted towards mental health rather than physical health. Ecotherapy is gaining some interest among researchers recently. Some call it ecopsychology, green therapy, or earth-centered therapy. ^[1]

But they are all saying the same thing. It simply means spending time in nature engaged in passive or active activities with the purpose of giving some positive improvement to mental health.

It is not totally clear yet (scientifically) how spending time in nature is able to have such effects on our brain. But thankfully, we now have more scientific clarity on it than we used to have.

Many of us have experienced positive effects on our minds during and after time spent in nature; hiking, camping, swimming, climbing, picnicking or just curiously observing. In fact, many can swear by their experience. It is these experiences of people that have been in nature – compared to people that have not – that have provided the much-needed fodder for scientists to make empirical comparisons.

Although ecotherapy may probably not be a replacement for medication whenever medication is necessary, it may help us avoid needing the medications in the first place.

Considering our modern fast-paced lifestyle with its potential to drive many into mental disorders later in life, regular time spent in nature might be a prevention for such medications (that treat mental disorders), as we shall soon see.

What Might Happen to a Brain That Is too Far From Nature?

I may as well start this heading by continuing my story.

I considered myself mentally sound before I moved to that village to attend school. But it was a total surprise to me that it was not the schooling that boosted my intelligence and sanity more, instead, it was the environment of the school.

This means that there are some beneficial stimuli to the brain that is absent in the city and town life I have lived before moving into that village. It equally means there is an overwhelming presence of beneficial stimuli in the natural environment provided by my new school.

What mainly differentiates both locations is the natural environment.

Scientists have noticed this too. According to a publication from Stanford University’s Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, people who live in cities are 20% more likely to develop anxiety disorders and 40% more likely to develop mood disorders than people who live in rural areas. ^[2]

Even more frighteningly, the same Stanford publication says that people born and raised in cities are twice as likely to develop schizophrenia!

These proclamations are not alone, a host of other researchers and research works have outlined many benefits spending time in nature can impart on the memory and mental health.

We will examine some of them.

Benefits of Nature on the Memory

In a famous study from the University of Michigan, students were divided into two groups and then made to take a memory test. One group was subsequently made to take a walk inside a tree park, and the other group was made to take its own walk down a city street. When all participants returned and the memory test was conducted again, it was found that those who had taken a walk in the tree park did better in their test by almost 20%. ^[3]

Without adding exaggerations, this study has a host of implications. But probably the most important of its implications is that it opens the possibility of – in the future – confidently recommending a walk in nature for people as a way to relieve their mental fatigue.^[4] But equally importantly, this finding confirms some hypotheses about ecotherapy, especially that being around nature can be helpful to the short-term memory.

A similar study even made additional observations. This study was conducted on depressed individuals. It also found that these individuals enjoy advantages on their short-term memory from walks in nature more than they do from walks in urban environments.^[5]

There are even insinuations from psychologists that spending time in nature can relieve the brain of stress and allow it to recover.^[6] Even if there isn’t any known empirical data to back this up yet, I have had several experiences during my time in that village many years ago to believe the supposition – schooling was stressful, and nature was my cure.

Benefit Of Nature On The Larger Mental Health

Apart from its documented benefit for the memory, there are other benefits being in nature can impart on the general and larger mental health. I will carefully outline them one-by-one so you can remember them easily:

 1. It keeps negative emotions at bay

The natural environment acts as a cushion against negative emotions. This means that even if the natural environment does not completely keep negative emotions off the mind, it can prevent it from getting overwhelming. But this is even by the side.

In 2015, researchers conducted a study where they compared the brain activity of healthy people after a 90 minutes walk. Some groups were made to walk in a natural environment and the others were made to walk in an urban environment. On their return, their brain activities were compared. Those who walked in nature were found to have lower activity in the prefrontal cortex area of the brain. ^[7]

The prefrontal cortex is normally active during “repetitive thoughts that focus on negative emotions.” ^[7]

This study suggests that getting immersed in a natural environment might keep negative emotions at bay.

2. It encourages exercise, which is good for our mental health

Most natural environments present a limitless potential for giving us room for exercise. From swimming to biking, hiking, climbing, and surfing, all these activities and many more can be done in nature.

But exercise has other benefits apart from working our muscles – it is beneficial to our mental health. When we exercise, our bodies release hormones like endorphin, which makes us feel good.^[8]

Feeling positively good is like a balm for our mental health.

3. It is a complete package for the general improvement of mental health

In a report presented by Mind.org.uk after a study involving participants taking a 30 minutes walk in a country park, they made the following observations from participants after the walk:^[8]

–  71% of participants reported a decreased level of depression after the walk

–  90% reported having increased self-esteem

–  71% said they felt less fatigued

–  53% reported they felt more vigorous

–  88% reported an overall improvement in their mood.

4. It can help with depression

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, reported by Stanford University’s Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, found that walking in nature can lead to a lower of risk of depression. ^[2]

In the study, participants who walked for 90 minutes in a natural environment show decreased activity in a region of the brain associated “with a key factor in depression” when compared to those who take their walk in an urban setting.

5. It lowers stress levels and might improve circulation

Spending time in nature quietly can lower stress. Stress is as much a problem of the mind as it is a problem of the body. When we spend quiet time in nature, it gives a sense of relaxation that can rejuvenate the mind and body, keeping stress at bay, if only for a while.

Moreso, since natural environments present a location that encourages physical activities like hiking and swimming, it can give some level of excitement to participants, which can lead to their heart pumping better and increasing their blood circulation. This is an effect well known to happen to us whenever we exercise.

6. It might help sleep

Spending time in a natural environment exposes us more to natural lighting, which might help our bodies better regulate our sleep patterns.^[9] You can also read more about the relationship between sleep and memory here.

7. It can inspire creativity

Nature is often full of relaxing sights, sounds, and smells. These are very positive stimuli for creativity. Combined, spending time in nature can be a catalyst to bring our creative juice flowing.

Some of the best ideas are discovered when people are immersed in natural environments. In fact, Newton was said to make his groundbreaking discovery of gravity by watching an apple tree!

Some Activities That Can Be Done While Spending Time in Nature

Spending time in nature isn’t all about lying about, doing nothing, although that is not bad in itself. But there are various activities that can be done in nature to keep us mentally and physically occupied.

Your ecotherapy session can be in the form of any of these:

i. Going for an adventure

This is perfect for physically fit individuals. It involves seeking out the unknown in a natural environment while conquering many challenges along the way.

A typical nature adventure may include fording rivers, climbing hills, spelunking, and sleeping under the shelter of undergrowth and trees.

These activities can increase happiness in many individuals and positively impact their mental health. However, some of the activities may pose some dangers (like insect bites or wild animal attacks), so, exercise all caution before and during your adventure in nature.

ii. Spending time with animals

Animals on the land, in water and in the air are a spellbounding sight to observe. In fact, I was observing a bird hovering in the air as I am writing just a short while ago, and it brought an unwitting smile to my face.

Spending time with animals either by observing them, feeding them, petting them or just hearing them can be a comfort for the senses, including our mental perceptions.

iii. Playing and doing handiwork in nature

You can spend your time in nature simply by playing with children, family or friends. This can be a way to easily relieve mental fatigue.

Alternatively, you can choose to do some tasks you will normally do indoors in a natural environment outdoors. This can include making handicrafts, cooking, sewing, writing, and other tasks. Doing such tasks in a natural environment can imbue them with extra fulfillment for you because of the surrounding stimulating environment.

iv. Gardening

Gardening is often erroneously thought of as a preoccupation of the aged. But it is an activity that can be enjoyed by the young and old.

Gardening gives the opportunity to spend a long time in a natural environment while staying preoccupied.

Recommendations – Please Read!

Spending time in nature should be completely harmless if you have no underlying health conditions averse to outdoor life. If this is the case, please consult your doctor before deciding to embrace an outdoor life.

On the one hand, research from Cornell University have found that as little as 10 minutes spent in nature “can lessen the effects of both physical and mental stress”. ^[10]

But on the other hand, how much time spent in nature is too much, or too little? According to research published in a Nature Research Journal, 120 minutes of contact with nature per week is helpful for mental and physical health.^[11] The research added that it did not matter if the 120 minutes is spent uninterrupted as a single session or distributed throughout the week.

Lastly, even a 2009 study suggests that even watching videos of natural settings can increase positive emotions. ^[12]

The matter is finished. If you can’t go out to nature, at least let nature come on to you.

Finally, when spending time in a natural environment, please make sure you protect yourself as much as you can from any harm (like insect bites or animal attacks). Additionally, do not involve yourself in risky behavior when spending time in natural environments.

Disclaimer: This article and the recommendation therein should not be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified doctor or clinician.

Frequently Asked Questions on Spending Time in Nature and Mental Health

What is Ecotherapy or Green Therapy?

It simply means spending time in nature engaged in passive or active activities with the purpose of giving some positive improvement to mental health.

What can individuals gain from spending time in nature?

A lot. Research works have proven that spending time in nature can relieve mental fatigue, relieve stress, can improve the mood, can ginger creativity, and can benefit human memory.

What does nature does to the brain?

Nature stimulates the brain positively. Research has shown that people who don’t have access to natural environments are 20% more likely to develop anxiety disorders.

What effect does spending time in nature has on our mental health?

Spending time in nature can encourage exercising, which is good for our mental health. It can also help with sleeping problems and depression.

Mr. Hammed is a freelance writer who has been writing for many years. He enjoys writing, making graphic designs and hanging out with family and friends.

References:

1. Buzzell, Linda, and Craig Chalquist. Ecotherapy: Healing with Nature in Mind. San Francisco: Sierra Club, 2009. Print. (see http://www.ecotherapyheals.com) via http://sites.stedwards.edu/mikewa-ensp234901sp2016/2016/03/01/ecotherapy-and-mental-wellness-february-2016-erica-schomer/  (Retrieved 10-4-2020)

2. Stanford researchers find mental health prescription: Nature – https://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/ (Retrieved 10-4-2020)

3. The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting With Nature – dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x (Retrieved 10-4-2020) via https://kniestedt.org/being-outside-can-improve-memory-fight-depression-and-lower-blood-pressure-here-are-12-science-backed-reasons-to-spend-more-times-outdoors/

4. Going outside—even in the cold—improves memory, attention – https://news.umich.edu/going-outsideeven-in-the-coldimproves-memory-attention/ (Retrieved 10-4-2020)

5. Interacting with Nature Improves Cognition and Affect for Individuals with Depression – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3393816/ (Retrieved 10-4-2020)

6. This Simple Activity Can Boost Your Memory By 20 Percent (It’s Not Exercise!) – thehealthtips.org/aging/mind-memory/nature-boosts-memory-study/ (Retrieved 10-4-2020)

7. Sour mood getting you down? Get back to nature – https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature (Retrieved 10-4-2020)

8. Why you should try “ecotherapy” in 2019 – https://aleteia.org/2019/01/03/why-you-should-try-ecotherapy-in-2019/ (Retrieved 10-4-2020)

9. 10 Unexpected Benefits of Spending Time in

Nature – https://www.goodnet.org/articles/10-unexpected-benefits-spending-time-in-nature (Retrieved 10-4-2020)    

10. Minimum Time Dose in Nature to Positively Impact the Mental Health of College-Aged Students, and How to Measure It: A Scoping Review – https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02942/full (Retrieved 10-4-2020)    

11. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing – https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3 (Retrieved 10-4-2020)

12. How spending time in nature can improve your mental health – https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-10/how-spending-time-in-nature-can-improve-your-mental-health/11583082 (Retrieved 10-4-2020)