Disorganization can create anxiety, stress, and a chaotic environment. Many of my clients want a calmer life. I help them achieve it through organizing, editing, planning, and developing systems. Improving these areas has a positive effect on their lives. Aside from my virtual organizing services, there is another source (a surprising one) that can help improve your overall wellbeing. It’s spending time in nature.
I recently returned from a mini summer vacation in upstate New York’s Finger Lakes Region. My husband and I spent some of that time being in nature. I can attest to the positive effects the outdoors had on me. Sitting by Keuka Lake, eating breakfast surrounded by trees and bird sounds, taking in the spectacular vistas, and hiking Watkins Glen’s gorge trail made me feel centered, calm, and happy. Yes, I know this is anecdotal, but there is research to support nature’s benefits.
The June 2022 Mindful article, “Six Benefits of Spending Time in Nature,” explained that between 2019 and 2021, the average American spent 4.2 hours each day on mobile devices and another three hours every day watching TV. Almost half of the US population didn’t engage in any outdoor activity in 2019. They described how “disengagement from the natural world is associated with increased rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, among other problems.”
At the same time, research supports how nature can “improve vision, memory, and concentration, restore mental energy, relieve stress, reduce inflammation, sharpen thinking, and expand creativity.”
“Spending time in nature can boost your mood.”
The article shared Florence Williams’ research discoveries from her book The Nature Fix and how even five minutes in nature can calm the nervous system. That’s a short time for a tremendous result. Before you run outside to your nearest park, check out Williams’ findings.
6 Benefits Humans Derive From Connecting With Nature
Five minutes in a forest surrounded by trees slows the heart rate, relaxes facial muscles, and calms the prefrontal cortex.
Water and birdsong improve mood and alertness.
Spending 15 minutes in nature can reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone.
Spending time in natural landscapes increases the brain’s alpha waves, which are associated with calm and alertness.
Spending 90 minutes in nature reduces rumination and preoccupation with problems.
Spending 120 minutes per week in nature can make us happier and boost overall health and wellbeing.
I’ve seen clients’ moods improve by the end of their one-hour virtual organizing sessions. And while I’m here and ready to help with your organizing needs, it’s also great to know about this additional source. Spending time in nature can calm, boost your mood, decrease rumination and stress, and increase alertness and overall wellbeing.
What helps you improve your mood and wellbeing? Is it getting organized, spending time in nature, or something else? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.
