The benefits of nature therapy for Nurses' stress relief Nurses; jobs are often demanding and highly pressured, with nurses needing to make quick decisions and experience difficult situations. This puts them at a higher risk of experiencing stress and burnout.
Nature therapy is a great way to help alleviate stress and improve your well-being. It is sometimes called ecotherapy or green therapy and involves spending time in nature.
Research has shown that specific environments can positively impact our stress levels.
Using all your senses when experiencing nature can help increase your mood and strength your immune system.
What does nature therapy offer?
Nature heals
Being surrounded by nature can help reduce anger, fear, and stress whilst boosting your mood and physical well-being. Even having plants around the home has been found to positively impact stress and anxiety levels.
Nature soothes
Nature can help you deal with pain. We are drawn to nature and unintentionally seek out trees, plants, water, and other natural elements to help distract us from the pain and distress in our lives
Nature restores
Studies have found that over 90% of people see an improvement in their mood when spending time outside. Nature helps you feel calmer and more balanced and increases attention.
Nature connects
Spending time in nature helps reconnect us to our authentic selves and the wider world. A technique called grounding is becoming more popular as people have started practising nature
therapy. Grounding involves connecting your body to the earth; a popular choice is barefoot walking.
Benefits of nature therapy for nurses stress relief
Stress reduction
Nature therapy has been shown to reduce stress levels in those with mental health disorders.
Spending time in nature can help lower cortisol levels and help you experience a sense of
relaxation and calm.
Improved mood
Spending time in nature can also have a positive impact on mood. Being outside in nature can
increase feelings of happiness and improve your well-being. This can then help you feel more
energized and motivated throughout the day.
Physical benefits
The physical benefits of nature therapy can help combat stress. Spending time in nature can improve sleep quality and cardiovascular health, and help prevent chronic diseases associated
with stress, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Mindfulness
Nature therapy promotes mindfulness and practising being present and fully engaged in the moment. Nurses who practice mindfulness may notice improved focus and concentration, which can help them perform better at work.
Social connection
Nature therapy can also provide opportunities for social connection, which is essential for
improving your well-being. Practicing nature therapy with others creates a sense of community and belonging, which helps reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Nature therapy can be a powerful tool to help improve your well-being and is a great way to reduce stress, enhance your physical health and reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Practicing nature therapy can be as simple as taking a walk in a local park or spending
time in your garden. So what are you waiting for? Get out in the fresh air today!
Reflection
1. Have you heard of nature therapy before?
2. Do you enjoy spending time outside in nature? Have you ever wondered why?
3. Do you notice your mood improves when you spend time outside?
Sources
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/scs.13089
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/wellbeing/ways-to-reduce-stress-by-enjoying-nature
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8125471/
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