Feeling blue this winter? You’re not alone. When chilly weather and shorter sunlight hours kick in from November to February, our mood and energy levels can naturally take a nosedive.
Seasonal Affective Disorder affects up to three per cent of Canadian adults, while about 15 percent suffer from milder “winter blues.” Thankfully, spending time in nature can relieve us from the February blahs any time of year.
Studies show that connecting to nature boosts our mental health, whether we’re trying to get through a long work day or a hectic weekend with the kids. In fact, the simple act of looking out a window at trees, viewing photographs of nature or even just smelling the scent of the forest can help reduce stress and lift our spirits.
Research shows that office workers who can see green space from their windows enjoy higher job satisfaction and better well-being. If you only have 20 minutes to spare on your lunch break, science indicates that taking a walk through a local park will give you the biggest stress-relieving bang for your buck.
What’s more, the mental-health benefits of nature aren’t just in your head—scientists have measured them too. Young men in a recent Japanese study who sat in a forest for just 15 minutes lowered their stress hormone levels significantly more than when they sat on a city sidewalk. If you’re looking to supercharge your exercise routine, a 2005 study demonstrated that runners dropped their blood pressure and improved their mood and self-esteem more when they looked at natural landscapes compared to urban ones.
So why wait for spring? Head outside with your friends, family or coworkers for a hike or walk around a local trail or park this month, and you may just find that you’re feeling less chilly inside and out.
A similar version of this article originally appeared on Evergreen.ca.
About the Author
Dr. Melissa Lem is a Vancouver family physician and Director of Parks Prescriptions for the BC Parks Foundation.