04 May Nature vs Happiness

Zelenski and Nisbet conducted a study to find if there is a link between nature and happiness independent from the other things that make us feel emotionally connected to life, like family, country, culture, music, and friends. The researches suggest that feeling connected to nature can make people happier whether or not they have these other connections.

Spending time in nature can relieve stress and anxiety. While walking in a less-urban green space has the greatest effects, the good news is that even a quick walk through a city park can relieve stress. As a bonus, some research even suggests that getting outside benefits your memory and other cognitive skills.

Walking through nature — specifically a forest — can reduce tension and anger. It also can help lower your heart rate, which in turn can make you calmer.

Can’t spend every waking moment outdoors? The good news is — you don’t have to. Here are some ideas that you can do in your every day.

1. Even a small amount of interaction with nature can help you build that connection. For example, noticing a few good things in the natural world (even the tree outside your window) each day can help you feel more connected to nature and make you happier.

2. A brief nature videos are a powerful way to feel happy, wonder, gratitude, and reverence—all positive emotions known to lead to increased well-being and physical health.

3. Viewing nature in images and videos seems to shift our sense of self, diminishing the boundaries between self and others.

Read the full article here