Why is spending time in nature important?

Spending time in nature supports mental and physical health: it is associated with lower blood pressure and resting heart rate, and with better sleep and mood. 1

• Natural settings: Visits to parks, streams, oceans, and other outdoor settings have been linked with reduced blood pressure and resting heart rate. 1
• Sleep, mood, and wildlife: Nature exposure is associated with improved sleep and mood; unexpected wildlife encounters can delight and engage us, while natural settings can also evoke awe and broaden perspective. 2
• Sensory engagement and relaxation: Flowers, trees, scents, and sounds gently draw attention away from worries, helping restore attention and feel better. 3
• Possible contributors: Benefits may arise from several factors, including sunlight, sounds, color contrasts, fresh air, natural scents, and possibly negative ionization near moving water; the specific contributions are difficult to isolate. 4