Reconnect With Nature’s ‘Green’ And ‘Blue’ Spaces
A hiker stands still at the edge of a forest trail, sunlight filtering through the trees — a quiet reminder that the best therapy often has no WiFi.
Spending time with nature comes with its own greens. Be it a stroll in a park or a hike in the wilderness, exposure to nature has been linked to a plethora of health benefits including improved attention, low stress-levels and reduced risk from psychiatric disorders. “People are returning to nature because the artificial world has failed them,” says Sagar Singh, Environmentalist & Educator, Sustainability Coach.
According to a recent study published by the American Psychological Association, titled, ‘Nurtured by Nature,’ spending time with nature aids in cognitive benefits and improvements in overall mood, mental health and emotional well-being. In an era dominated by digital screens, individuals are heading out, to be one with the green forest and blue skies.
Healing Powers
Nature helps embrace individuals looking for that touch of warmth. The sound of a river, the whisper of the pines, the vast sky- these are not entertainment but they serve as nourishment for the soul,” says Sagar.
Thankam Kumaran, an Eco-Conscious Advocate, Sustaina-bility & Waste Management Guide believes, “The core reason to be more with nature is the constant pressure felt by people.” The pressure of 24x7 digital connectivity. After the pandemic, many people understood the healing power of nature. “Most people today are trying to build a connection with nature, one which has been lost but is the foundation of life,” adds Thankam.
The Root Cause
Work-life balance and today’s fast culture can lead to frequent burnouts. Thankam says, “The work: life ratio has led to many people feeling suffocated and even depressed, compelling them to seek natural ways of urgently disconnecting and recharging their true selves.” Sagar feels that many people work not out of love but out of the fear of poverty, of failure or insignificance. However, nature allows individuals a chance to be and know themselves. Sagar says, “When you spend time with nature it allows you the chance to drop the roles and masks and simply be who you are.”
Calming Effect
Navya Singh, Climate Action Journalist says, “Nature helps in ways we often don’t notice or value enough.” Being out in the open under the blue skies helps to calm down. Navya’s cherished activity is birdwatching. “Spotting birds like the common myna or red-whiskered bulbul in my garden reminds me that there’s more to life than just concrete buildings and screens,” she says. Nature not only frees us from screen time, but heals in a multi-dimensional way touching individuals physically, mentally, emotionally, and even socially. Navya says, “Gyms may often be celebrated on social media but there’s a quieter, more lasting satisfaction that comes only from spending time in nature without the daunting presence of gadgets.”
Safe Haven
While obsessions with devices and a constant need to want more continue, what may help is a tweaking of approach. Nature is not a weekend escape or a backdrop for your selfies. “Nature is your forgotten mother and you are her wandering child,” says Sagar.
