What is the importance of spending time in nature?

Spending time in nature has numerous benefits for both mental and physical health. According to Andrew Huberman, getting outdoors into nature for about 10 to 30 minutes, three to seven days per week, has been shown to reduce blood pressure, decrease resting heart rate, improve sleep, and enhance mood. These improvements can translate to better performance in different aspects of life 1.

The collective experience of being in nature brings together various elements that can't be easily isolated in a laboratory study, such as the element of surprise and encounters with wildlife, which can delight and stick in memory 1. Nature also provides exposure to sunlight and its associated benefits for mood, focus, and circadian rhythm regulation, as sunlight is a key feature of the natural environment 2.

Moreover, engaging in activities like fasting while being in nature, as discussed by Tim Ferriss with Dr. Huberman, can provide added benefits such as activating the parasympathetic system and creating room for awe—a transcendent experience of peace and beauty—by spending extended periods of time outdoors 3.

Dr. Huberman also mentions the concept of nature 'grounding' and forest bathing, which has been shown to enhance mental and physical health. Nonetheless, while many studies support the benefits of nature, the scientific method may not fully capture or isolate the myriad variables that contribute to nature’s therapeutic effects 4. Thus, it is recommended to get out into nature as often as safely possible to enjoy these benefits 5.