Nature is an integral part of our lives, and access to green spaces is essential. Research has shown that spending time in nature has numerous benefits for our physical and mental health.

However, the question is, how much nature do we really need? This weekly guide explores the amount of nature required for optimal wellbeing and offers tips on how to incorporate green spaces into our lives.

Week 1: The Benefits of Being in Nature

The benefits of spending time in nature are well-established. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can lead to reduced stress levels, improved cognitive function, and increased creative thinking.

In addition, exposure to nature has been shown to boost our immune systems, helping us to fight off infections and diseases more effectively.

With all these benefits, it’s no wonder that many doctors are now advocating for spending time in nature as a way to promote overall wellbeing. To get the benefits, however, we need to make sure we’re spending enough time in green spaces.

Week 2: How Much Nature Do We Need?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much nature we need, experts recommend spending at least two hours per week in green spaces.

This can be broken down into smaller chunks of time, such as 30 minutes a day, or longer periods, such as a half-day hike on the weekends.

It’s also important to remember that not all green spaces are created equal. While any time spent in nature can be beneficial, some environments may be more conducive to wellbeing than others.

For example, spending time near water or in forests has been shown to be particularly beneficial.

Week 3: Incorporating Nature into Our Lives

If we’re not currently spending enough time in nature, it can be daunting to try to add more green spaces to our routines. However, there are many small steps that we can take to increase our time spent outdoors.

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One approach is to explore local parks and green spaces. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a visit to a neighborhood park, or a hike in a nearby nature reserve, there are often many options close to home.

We can also try incorporating nature into our daily routines, such as eating lunch outside or taking a walk in the park after work.

For those who are more adventurous, signing up for outdoor activities such as camping or kayaking can be a great way to spend more time in nature.

Even simply gardening or taking care of houseplants can be a way to bring the outdoors inside and reap the benefits of green spaces.

Week 4: Making Time for Nature

Of course, the challenge with any new habit is making it stick.

To make sure we’re incorporating enough green spaces into our lives, it can be helpful to schedule time for outdoor activities, similar to the way we schedule appointments or meetings. This can be especially important for those with busy schedules who may otherwise struggle to find time for nature.

It’s also important to remember that experiencing nature doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Spending time in nature with friends or family can be a great way to strengthen relationships while getting the benefits of green spaces.

This can be as simple as planning a picnic or hike together.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the benefits of spending time in nature are clear. While the amount of nature we need may vary, experts recommend spending at least two hours per week in green spaces to reap the benefits of improved physical and mental health.

By incorporating small steps into our daily routines, we can make sure we’re getting enough nature and experiencing the many benefits that come with it.