It’s Time to “Touch Grass”

Life in the fast lane has left us feeling disconnected. Our bodies and minds have evolved over centuries to thrive in the presence of trees, open skies, and flowing streams, yet our days are increasingly devoid of time outdoors or off screens. While some cultures have long recognized nature's healing power, science is now uncovering its profound impact on our mental well-being. With reports of global mental health at an all time low… it’s time to touch grass.

The Consequences of Nature Deficiency:

In our modern, urbanized societies, we've lost touch with nature. The concrete jungles we inhabit offer little respite from the artificial buzz of technology and the stress of everyday life. Studies show that this disconnection from green spaces and natural environments contributes to the rise of mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.

Research demonstrates a clear link between exposure to nature and improved mental health. For instance, a groundbreaking study in the Netherlands found that people living in areas with more green spaces had lower rates of mental health disorders. The presence of parks, trees, and gardens correlated with reduced stress, depression, and anxiety.

Studies have consistently shown that spending time in nature can have a positive impact on children with ADHD. Research suggests that exposure to natural environments, such as parks or green spaces, can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and improve attention and impulse control. Nature provides a calming and less stimulating setting compared to urban environments, allowing children to engage in restorative activities and experience the benefits of greenery and open spaces. The combination of fresh air, natural stimuli, and unstructured play in nature has been found to promote better focus, reduce hyperactivity, and enhance the overall well-being of children.

The Healing Gaze of Nature:

The transformative effects of nature aren't limited to outdoor spaces alone. Even a simple view of nature, like having a window overlooking a green landscape, can have a profound impact on mental well-being. A study at a Pennsylvania hospital showed that patients with a view of nature through their windows had significantly faster recovery times compared to those facing a brick wall. Patients with the nature view experienced less stress, needed fewer pain medications, and reported higher satisfaction levels. Further, a study by the American College of Surgeons found that patients in rooms without windows suffered from 20% higher mortality rates than those with a view of the outdoors. Re-indiginized Wellness:

For centuries modern medicine and psychology have written off the benefits of nature on mental health — favoring pharmaceutical and talk-therapy treatments — but indigenous cultures have long understood the profound connection between humans and nature, incorporating it into their healing practices and spiritual traditions. For example, Japan's Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, encourages immersing oneself in nature to reduce stress and enhance well-being. Native American vision quests involve sending individuals on solitary journeys into nature to seek spiritual guidance and clarity. Aboriginal cultures in Australia honor the ancestral spirits of the land and believe in accessing ancient wisdom and healing energy through connection to the land. And Shamanic practices found worldwide engage with the natural world and its elements for healing and spiritual growth.

Embracing Nature's Medicine:

The truth is, nature has provided inspiration for the development of many modern pharmaceuticals, with several medications originating from natural sources. Aspirin, derived from willow bark, is a well-known pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. Taxol, initially isolated from the Pacific yew tree, is a chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer. Artemisinin, extracted from the sweet wormwood plant, is a vital component in malaria treatment. And Morphine, derived from the opium poppy, remains an essential painkiller. But these drugs have been divorced from their natural setting, and are often expensive or hard to access. As the connection between nature and mental health continues to be studied, earth-body specialists and terra psychologists are exploring how to incorporate nature into psychiatric practices.

Recognizing the immense mental benefits of connecting with nature, doctors have started prescribing nature as a primary treatment for various common mental health conditions. This innovative approach acknowledges the power of natural environments to enhance psychological well-being, complementing traditional forms of therapy. Recent studies have supported the effectiveness of "nature prescriptions" as a complementary treatment method, revealing that individuals who engage in regular nature exposure experience significant improvements in their mental health and well-being. Spending time in natural settings has been associated with reduced symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improved cognitive function. By prescribing time in nature, healthcare professionals are tapping into the transformative power of natural environments and providing patients with a holistic and evidence-based approach to mental health care. This forward-thinking approach not only acknowledges the importance of nature in promoting psychological well-being but also highlights the potential of integrating nature-based interventions into mainstream mental health treatment practices.

Touch Grass… or Dirt:

People on the internet aren’t wrong, when digital life is affecting your mental health it’s important to spend time outside and “touch grass”. Studies have shown that spending time gardening without gloves, or taking barefoot walks in dirt can positively impact our mood. Exposure to certain soil bacteria can have a profound impact on our brain chemistry. Remarkably, certain soil microbes can cross the protective barrier between our circulating blood and the brain, stimulating the release of serotonin. Research by Dr. Chris Lowry at the University of Colorado Boulder revealed that a specific soil bacterium, Mycobacterium vaccae, has antidepressant-like effects in mice. Ingesting or inhaling these bacteria activated brain cells that produce serotonin, resulting in improved stress resilience and mood regulation.

The Future is About Access:

The future of mental health lies in providing individuals with safe access to green spaces. To improve our mental well-being through nature, individuals can start by incorporating regular outdoor activities into their routines, such as walking or exercising in parks, gardening, or simply spending time in nature to unwind. Communities can play a vital role by creating and maintaining green spaces within urban areas, such as community gardens or urban parks, where residents can gather, connect with nature, and engage in outdoor activities. Moreover, communities can organize nature-based programs and initiatives, such as guided nature walks, mindfulness in nature workshops, or outdoor therapy sessions, to promote mental health and well-being. Governments can support mental health initiatives by prioritizing the development and maintenance of public green spaces, allocating funding for nature-based programs and interventions, and integrating nature into urban planning and design. By creating policies that ensure equitable access to green spaces for all citizens, governments can contribute to a healthier and happier population. Collaborative efforts between individuals, communities, and governments are essential to foster a culture that recognizes the importance of nature in promoting mental health and to ensure that safe access to green spaces becomes a reality for everyone.