Let Nature Determine Your Mood
Scientists have long known that sunlight can help with depression. This is particularly
true with seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, that attacks people in the winter. The results from new research conducted in the Netherlands suggests that people living near a wooded area or a park are less depressed and anxious than those not living in those locations. Another study conducted in the UK indicates that walking in the country decreases depression in 71 percent of the participants. It’s becoming more evident that nature can be highly effective as a mood booster.
Nature is a Mood Booster
Author Brant Secunda and Mark Allen, world champion Ironman, have written a book that supports the theory that if you can connect with nature, you’ll enjoy a calmer and happier spirit. They believe that people living close to nature aren’t as depressed as others for various reasons. These include:
- Being connected to all of the beauty life has to offer.
- Enjoying a sunrise or sunset that can make the soul happy.
- Simply slowing down to experience nature can affect calmness.
- Being close to nature helps people connect to flowers, birds, trees and earth.
All of this connecting to nature removes depression and other negative feelings.
In addition to all of the above, it’s proven that people living close to nature tend to be more active on the outside. As exercise is one of the most effective ways to fight depression, it’s easy to see that this makes a lot of sense.
Ways to Boost Your Mood through Nature
Secunda and Allen introduce methods to feel better by using nature in their book, “Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to Healthier, Happier You.” These include:
- Inhale the sound of running water: You can accomplish this by visiting a stream or river and let the sound just wash over you.
- Inhale the sound of the ocean: This is an excellent way to rid yourself of depression, anger, or loneliness. If you live near the coast, the sound of the waves washing in and out can be just the comfort you need.
- Connect to the Sun: Sit in the sun and feel it warming you from the outside to the inside. Your loneliness and anger can be simply taken away by the simple act of worshiping the sun.
- Use nature to connect with your loved ones: Visit a lovely natural place with people you care about. This is an excellent way to re-connect.
- Allow yourself to be at one with nature: Anytime that you’re outside walking, running or hiking, pay attention to the natural setting and become a part of it. Enjoy the trees, flowers, wild animals and any other part of nature. It will take your focus off of things in your life that are troubling.
- Pull energy into yourself from the earth: The perfect way to use the earth to energize yourself is by simply walking around outside while imagining the power of the earth entering your body. Also imagine the love from Mother Earth healing your body and making it strong.
Give these things a try when you’re not feeling on top of the world. You may be impressed with the results.
Brenda Lyttle is a health expert who began writing for publications in her community in 2005 and now commands an authority in writing on healthy living, diet pills, anti-aging, and acne treatment related topics.
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