Nature Cure

Hey, it's Charlotte. Today, we're going to talk about how nature helps mental health. There's a lot of talk these days about the importance of getting outside and experiencing nature. But what does that really mean? Why should we care? And how can we make sure that we actually do it? Luckily, some scientists have been asking these questions too, and they've come up with some answers. Let's get into it! If you're like most of us here at Revel, you spend a lot of time in front of screens. We don't mean to make excuses for our lack of outdoor time — it's just the reality. But have you heard of the "nature cure?" It's a theory that spending time in nature can help lower blood pressure and the chances of developing depression, according to one study. According to revel's founder, Ann, time spent in her neighbourhood park is just one of many ways she cares for herself. I love spending mine at our rooftop garden. Your green space could be anything such as your neighborhood park, your own backyard, or a rooftop garden — anywhere you can appreciate and enjoy nature and fresh air. Better yet, add some outdoor exercise into the mix for extra benefit. The same aforementioned study found that people who spent time in green spaces were also more likely to exercise more frequently and for longer each time. One of the most important parts of treating depression is getting outside. We've all heard that sunshine is good for us—but did you know that it actually helps your brain produce more serotonin? Serotonin is a hormone that makes us feel happy and relaxed. When our brains don't produce enough serotonin, we tend to feel down or anxious. And guess what else helps boost your brain's serotonin production? Being in nature! Studies have shown that people who spend time in natural environments are happier and less stressed than those who don't. And they have lower levels of depression than people who live in urban environments. So get out there! Walk through the park or hike up a mountain—just get some fresh air and sunshine on your face! Thanks for joining us here on Revelation! This podcast was brought to you by the loveliest folks at hey revel dot com, and we'll be back tomorrow with another amazing episode. To make sure you don't miss a thing, hit subscribe so you'll get an alert when the next episode goes live.