Why is spending time in nature important?

Spending time in nature is considered highly beneficial for mental and physical health. Andrew Huberman on the Huberman Lab notes that being outdoors in natural environments, such as parks or forests, for about 10 to 30 minutes three to seven days per week can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure, resting heart rate, improvements in sleep, mood, and overall performance in various aspects of life 1.

Furthermore, Dr. Huberman explains that nature provides a variety of sensory stimuli, such as the colors, sounds, and the freshness of the air, which collectively contribute to its positive impact. Controlled studies to isolate these variables are challenging, but holistic experiences in nature have consistently shown health benefits. Encounters with wildlife, the sound of a stream, and sunlight all contribute to the enjoyment and wellbeing that come from being in natural settings 1 2.

Also, Dr. Huberman highlights that there's a particular benefit associated with sunlight, as morning sunlight exposure contributes to improved metabolism, mood, focus, and supports a healthy circadian rhythm, which in turn enhances sleep quality. For those unable to get regular sunlight, he mentions the use of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lamps as a less effective but still beneficial alternative 3. Thus, get out into nature as frequently as you can for diverse positive effects on health and well-being.