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A Powerful Combination for Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Nature and Mental health are closely related to each other. As per research Nature & meditation have been shown to have numerous benefits for Mental Health.
It has been scientifically proven that Nature not only helps in soothing anxiety and depression, but it also elevates bad mood and rejuvenate us with positive energy. It has long been advocated that nature exposure is a form of medicine. Nature is also said to be filled with energy, a vital force that could be transferred to people to promote mental health.
Research has also shown that spending time with Nature and meditation is beneficial to the state of mind and a powerful tool for promoting mental health and well-being.
Some elements of Nature include mountains, trees, plants, bodies of water within natural settings, and every other rustic thing that is not manmade. Nature has a special soothing effect that reduces stress and anxiety, improving mood, self-esteem, and happiness. Spending time with Nature can create a sense of calm, tranquillity, and connectedness that detoxify our body and soul, enhance the meditative experience, relax the mind, remove all the chaos and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Meditation is an art. It trains the mind to concentrate and reach a state of peace and relaxation. It is frequently used to lower stress and anxiety, enhance focus and awareness, and foster general well-being. There are various kinds of meditation, from light to deep and profound ones, each with unique techniques and focus. Some of them are mindfulness meditation, transcendental meditation, Body scan meditation, Chakra meditation, etc. However, they all entail sitting still in a cosy posture, paying attention to the breath or a word or object, and letting thoughts and emotions come and go without judgment or attachment. Any time, from a few minutes to several hours, can be spent meditating, whether alone or in a group. Although meditation has spiritual and religious roots, it is also frequently used in secular contexts such as schools, businesses, and hospitals to enhance physical and mental well-being.
Below are some specific ideas for incorporating Nature and meditation into your daily routine to support your mental health.
1. Take a walk in Nature, such as a park, forest, or beach, and adore's Nature's sights, sounds, and smells.
2. Practice mindfulness meditation outdoors; focus on your breath and the sensations of your surroundings, such as the sun's warmth, the sound of birds, or the texture of the ground.
3. Try forest bathing: It is a Japanese practice that involves spending time in the forest and focusing on the woods' sights, sounds and smells.
4. Do yoga outdoors: It can help you connect with Nature while reaping yoga's benefits for mental and physical health.
5. Meditate by water: Find a quiet spot by a lake, river, or ocean and practice meditation while listening to the sound of the water.
In Conclusion, both meditation and being in Nature have favourable effects on mental health, and combining the two can increase these advantages.
Let's have a look at how meditation and Nature help in enhancing mental health:
Spending time in Nature and meditation have been proven to relieve stress and anxiety. Together, they can contribute to creating a thoroughly unwinding and calming experience that can ease stress and encourage a relaxing sensation.
Increases Happiness: Spending time in Nature and meditation has been linked to higher levels of happiness and well-being. In one study, individuals who went for a stroll outdoors while engaging in mindfulness meditation reported experiencing more positive and less negative feelings than those who took a walk in the great outdoors without any meditation.
Increases Mental Clarity: Spending time in Nature and practising meditation can both assist in clarifying the mind and lessen mental weariness. Together, they can improve cognitive performance and enhance mental clarity.
Enhances Creativity: Research has shown that being in Nature can be a great source of inspiration for creative thinking, and meditation has been shown to facilitate an increase in the flow of ideas and imagination. Combining the two can aid in fostering inventiveness and creativity.
Enhances Sleep: Spending time outside can assist in balancing sleep-wake cycles and enhance sleep quality. Additionally, meditation has been shown to improve sleep. Combining the two can support revitalizing and comfortable sleep.
Written By:
Grace Ogbonnaya