Did you know? Physical activity is one important lifestyle behavior that can reduce symptoms of stress, boost mood, and protect us from disease. And spending time in nature (from walks and biking to birdwatching and gardening) is good for our mind and body health, too!
Beginning this summer, I invite you to #TakeTenforNature – together, we can move our bodies, cultivate a nature connection, and strengthen whole person health, in a few minutes each day.
A look at the science:
working out boosts brain health
the great outdoors: how a green exercise environment can benefit all
“give me a break!” A systematic review and meta-analysis
Physical activity in natural settings: An opportunity for lifestyle medicine
Nature Exposure, Even as Little as 10 Minutes, is Likely to Yield Short-Term Benefits for Adults with Mental Illness: A Meta Analysis
Consider the following examples of how you might #TakeTenforNature:
- Walk around the block – and pause to savor interesting plants or listen to birds
- Start your own patio container garden; alternately, step outside to admire a neighbor’s collection!
- Treat yourself to a lunch break or outdoor meeting at a local park or garden
- Stroll around an urban fountain display or near a body of water
- Drop by a community garden to check out what’s growing in your region
- No time to get outside? View a nature video (and then make a plan to visit!)
On a personal level, I’ve always valued nature breaks (micro or otherwise) and have integrated them into daily life as often as possible, dating back to the early days in my psychotherapy practice and throughout the pandemic, when at-home caregiving became a 24/7 operation for nearly two years.
My “garden breaks,” along with dog walks, became a lifeline – I experienced a boost in mood, energy, and hope after engaging in activities like watering my garden bed or propagating herbs. I definitely practice what I teach!
In the months ahead, how will you #TakeTenforNature? I recommend that you start small and stay realistic; tell friends and loved ones about your intention so they can support you. A reminder that while nature shouldn’t replace other medical or mental health treatment when needed, it can serve as a low-cost, accessible option for strengthening health and well-being.
Dawnn Meiers, Psy.D 