Nature And Me: The Most Awesome Therapy For Growth

The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.

Nature quote by Shikoba.

Life can feel overwhelming. The constant noise of cell phones pinging, cars honking, emails demanding attention, and daily responsibilities piling up. Stress can come from—your job, relationships, or that nagging feeling something is missing.

In these moments, finding peace feels nearly impossible. But trust me it isn’t.

Imagine this: You wake up in a panic, heart racing because you’ve already snoozed through the first few alarms. The blaring sound you’ve come to despise echoes in your ears as you fumble for your phone. It’s only when you finally manage to silence it that you see a message from your boss: "Be in the office in 30 minutes."

You spring out of bed, adrenaline pumping, only to realize that all your clothes are still in the wash. With no time to spare, you grab the least-wrinkled outfit from a few days ago. It doesn’t feel great, but it’ll have to do. 

Rushing through your morning routine, you throw everything into your bag and head for the door, mentally checking off the tasks ahead. As you hurry to the train station, you’re relieved to see that, by some miracle, there are no unexpected delays. But just as you let out a sigh of relief, you glance up at the board: your train is delayed. Great—just what you needed.

As you stand on the platform, your phone buzzes again—it's your mom asking about Thanksgiving. You care deeply, but today isn’t the day for a heartfelt chat. You send a brief reply, hoping she understands, but even that small exchange feels like another weight on your already overloaded day.

You’re already mentally preparing for a day that seems to have gone off the rails before it even began. The stress, the rush, the constant noise—it’s overwhelming. The noise isn’t just external; it’s internal too, a relentless hum in your mind that drowns out everything else. 

And in moments like these, you wonder: How do you turn it all off? Where can you find peace? 

The answer might just be simpler than you think.

Maybe you have tried various ways to unwind—like reading, journaling, therapy, or venting to a friend—but still feel something is missing. Don’t worry, I’ve been there too. Have you ever considered unwinding with the help of nature? Unlikely.

In this article, we’ll explore how nature can be the switch that brings peace, even if it’s just for a moment.

How Does Nature Benefit Our Mental Health?

They say our brains are the most powerful tools, capable of thinking, dreaming, making decisions, communicating, and experiencing different emotions. Yet, despite this incredible potential, our minds can sometimes become uncontrollable, leading to stress and anxiety. It makes you wonder—if our brains are so powerful, why do mental health issues seem so prevalent?

The answer lies in how we manage the noise and chaos of life. When I discovered the power of nature, it was transformative from day one.

Surrounding ourselves with greenery helps us reconnect with both ourselves and the world around us. Nature provides a sanctuary, offering the perfect environment to unwind, switch off, and appreciate life’s simple pleasures—like watching newborn ducklings swim, feeling the wind on our faces, or listening to the soothing sound of rain. It’s in these moments of calm that we find true relief from the mental burdens we carry.

Nature and Gratitude

But the benefits of nature go beyond just mental health—they also open our eyes to the simple, yet profound, aspects of life. Being able to enjoy nature has shown me gratitude for the things I am now able to do.

Think about it—worldwide, there are so many natural disasters and wars happening, and they’re only increasing. But I’m fortunate not to be affected. I can go outside without fearing bombings, earthquakes, or hurricanes.

I’m not only grateful for that but also for simply being able to go outside at all. During my hospital stay, I was unable to go outside, and now that I can, it plays a vital role in my mental recovery.

To enjoy the blessings of freedom, we must always remember those who are denied it. Be grateful for what you have and mindful of those who have less

Mentalbeings

How Does Nature Improve Our Overall Health?

Being outside not only benefits our mental health but also plays a crucial role in our physical well-being. Below are some of nature’s many contributions to our overall health.

Small reminder: physical and mental health are just as important and should be equally cared for.

Breathing Better: Our world is highly polluted, and the air we breathe is far from pure, often leading to asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues. What many might not realize is that plants naturally help filter the air. Surrounding ourselves with greenery can improve both our breathing and the overall quality of the air we inhale. 

NOT SO FUN FACT: Did you know that indoor pollution can be up to 100 times higher than outdoor pollution.

Reduced Depression: Over the years, I’ve observed a pattern: I always relapsed into my eating disorder during winter. The season's darkness and lack of sunlight can significantly impact our mood. Did you know that sunlight plays a crucial role in regulating mood? It boosts serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential for feeling good. Additionally, reduced sunlight disrupts our body’s internal clock, further affecting our overall well-being.

Better Sleep: Speaking of our internal clock, did you know that your body naturally follows the sun's pattern? When the sun rises, your body knows it’s time to wake up, and as it sets and darkness falls, your body begins to wind down, making you feel tired. Exposure to natural sunlight helps regulate this rhythm, enabling you to feel more tired at night, shortening the time it takes to fall asleep, and improving the overall quality of your rest.

It Helps Me Control My Exercise Addiction: Exercise is beneficial for our health, but it can also become dangerously addictive. About a year ago, I managed to gain control over my addiction. Now, instead of over-exercising, I opt for a moderate-paced walk through the streets or along the riverbank, enjoying the simple pleasure of movement without the pressure.

Helps Me with Panic Attacks: During a panic attack, it feels like I can't breathe for what seems like ages. My breathing becomes shallow and rapid, making it hard to get enough air. Getting outside, feeling the fresh air and wind on my face, helps me regain control and breathe normally again.

Boosts Our Creativity: When life is loud, it can be hard to think clearly. But when nature brings peace, our imagination can finally roam freely. 
During my walks, I often come up with most of the designs for my fashion drawings. This time also allows me to reflect on the day, often with a creative twist. If I’ve had a difficult day, instead of focusing on the negatives, I turn it into a lighthearted narrative that brings a smile to my face.

Final Noise Before The Silence

In our fast-paced world, life often feels stuck on fast forward. We lose track of ourselves, our days, and the very essence of living. That’s why it’s time to press the pause button. We have become unaware of our surroundings, blind to the incredible gift we’ve been given—life itself.

So I want you to stop what you’re doing, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Now, open your eyes and truly pause. Look around. What do you see, smell, hear?

STOP, CLOSE YOUR EYES AND BREATHE

Mentalbeing

Do you remember the last time you looked up from your phone to notice the falling leaves of autumn, the first blossoms of spring, or the vibrant hues of a sunset after work?

Have you taken a moment to savor your breakfast, or do you eat it in seconds, rushing through the day? Take this moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty around you.

These moments are fleeting, but they’re what make life truly rich. Don’t let them pass you by. Make it a habit to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the world around you. After all, life isn’t just about getting through the day—it’s about truly living in each moment.