Nature and Mental Health

Benefits (Research Studies)

Spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. For example, research into ecotherapy (a type of formal treatment that involves doing activities outside of nature) has shown it can help with mild to moderate depression. This might be due to combining regular physical activity and social contact with being outside in nature.

Anxieties about climate change can also have a big impact on our well-being. If climate change affects your mental health, connecting to nature may be helpful. You could also participate in conservation activities or campaigns to protect the environment.

It can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem,  and improve mood. Attention deficits and aggression lessen in natural environments, which also helps speed the rate of healing.

Activities to Engage in

A tranquil setting for walking soothes the spirit and calms the nerves, inducing a sense of quiet in the mind and body as one forgets about the stresses of life and simply focuses on immersing oneself in nature and connecting with the universe.

Wandering around the various trails and boardwalks, taking in the sights, smells and sounds, looking out for wildlife amongst the trees and plants, smelling the leaves and flowers, listening for bird calls and bird songs. With just a few minutes of walking in nature, one's mind feels clearer, one's body becomes more relaxed, and one feels a sense of inner peace.

There are many parts of Singapore to explore and walk around in. One must-visit spot is the tree-top walk at the Central Catchment Nature Reserve at MacRitchie, where a suspension bridge gives a bird' s-eye view of the surrounding rainforest.

Written by: Tan Poh Ching

05/2024

References

Chan, L. (n.d.). Nature walks for better mental health. Institute of Mental Health. https://www.imh.com.sg/Mental-Health-Resources/Mental-Wellness-and-Recovery/My-Say/Pages/Nature-Walks-for-Better-Mental-Health.aspx​

Mind. (n.d.). How nature benefits mental health. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/​

Robbins, J. (2020, January 9). Ecopsychology: How immersion in nature benefits your health. Yale Environment 360. https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health​

Vercammen, A., Wood, C., Barrett, E., Wu, J., Gulliver, R., & Hartley, S. (n.d.). The impact of climate activism on health: Exploring positive and negative effects. The Commons Social Change Library. https://commonslibrary.org/climate-activism-positive-negative-health-impacts/​