Being out in natural settings can help reduce stress and release endorphins, a stress-releasing hormone, which is often described as a type of “feel-good” brain chemical. It is also said to have a restorative effect on individuals living in cities, by helping to relax and over time, enhance creativity.
Mental Health Foundation citing research has said people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life. Nature can generate many positive emotions, including calmness, joy, and can facilitate concentration.
Being in natural settings can improve problem-solving and is also linked to improved thinking and a greater capacity for innovative ideas, a psychiatrist Dr Sanil Sinhasan told Health Shots.
Studies suggest that spending time outdoors can change our neurochemistry. For example, our brain releases serotonin, the same neurotransmitter found in most antidepressant medications, when we are exposed to sunlight and green spaces.
Dr Sinhasan told Health Shots how nature encourages us to be more mindful and reduces mental fatigue since engaging with such spaces helps us focus on the present moment, reducing overthinking and mental fatigue.