What Do You Need to Do Exactly to Experience the Benefits of Nature?

Dr. Kimberly Gushanas, a licensed clinical psychologist with the University of Texas Medical Branch, is sharing insights on the different ways spending time in nature can impact one’s health and wellbeing. Gushanas recently spoke at the 2024 Galveston Women’s Conference, and local news picked up her message to help spread it far and wide. She also shared a digestible list of exactly what people can do to ensure they experience the benefits of being in nature, since “being in nature” is a bit vague.

First, Gushanas references research studies that cite “already well-known benefits” of spending time in nature, including improved sleep, attention, and cardiovascular and eye health, among others. She also suggests that nature can reduce a person’s risk for various mental-health disorders.

“We know that in general, the more you get out in nature, the more you experience better moods and less stress,” she said. “You are even at lower risk for psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and even Schizophrenia. Research has even shown that the more time you spend with nature, the more cooperative, generous, and empathetic you are.”

But what exactly does a person need to do to unlock all of this goodness?

To capture the benefits of nature, Gushanas recommends the following:

• Visit green spaces (meadows, forests, grasslands, etc.) or blue spaces (bodies of water)
• Experience the vastness of open horizons and skies
• Seek out variety and biodiversity in the outdoors
• Get 10 minutes of sunlight in your eyes each morning and afternoon/evening
• Spend at least two hours a week in nature
• Touch the soil around you with your bare hands and feet (i.e., grounding)

Gushanas urges people not to overthink it. Keep it simple and the benefits will come.

“Explore the world around you, allow your brain the space and time to connect with nature,” she said. “In the process, you’ll likely reconnect with yourself.”

Watch a short clip of Gushanas here:

Dr. Kimberly Gushanas, a licensed clinical psychologist with the University of Texas Medical Branch, is sharing insights on the different ways spending time in nature can impact one’s health and wellbeing. Gushanas recently spoke at the 2024 Galveston Women’s Conference, and local news picked up her message to help spread it far and wide. She also shared a digestible list of exactly what people can do to ensure they experience the benefits of being in nature, since “being in nature” is a bit vague.

First, Gushanas references research studies that cite “already well-known benefits” of spending time in nature, including improved sleep, attention, and cardiovascular and eye health, among others. She also suggests that nature can reduce a person’s risk for various mental-health disorders.

“We know that in general, the more you get out in nature, the more you experience better moods and less stress,” she said. “You are even at lower risk for psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and even Schizophrenia. Research has even shown that the more time you spend with nature, the more cooperative, generous, and empathetic you are.”

But what exactly does a person need to do to unlock all of this goodness?

To capture the benefits of nature, Gushanas recommends the following:

• Visit green spaces (meadows, forests, grasslands, etc.) or blue spaces (bodies of water)
• Experience the vastness of open horizons and skies
• Seek out variety and biodiversity in the outdoors
• Get 10 minutes of sunlight in your eyes each morning and afternoon/evening
• Spend at least two hours a week in nature
• Touch the soil around you with your bare hands and feet (i.e., grounding)

Gushanas urges people not to overthink it. Keep it simple and the benefits will come.

“Explore the world around you, allow your brain the space and time to connect with nature,” she said. “In the process, you’ll likely reconnect with yourself.”

Watch a short clip of Gushanas here: