Nature: The Original Wellness Plan

In an age where stress is high, screens are everywhere, and chronic illness is on the rise, nature offers us a powerful yet underused remedy. No side effects. No copay. Just a simple invitation: step outside.

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Nature is more than a backdrop for our lives—it’s part of the healing process. From mental clarity to measurable changes in physical health, science supports what many of us instinctively feel after time outdoors: we feel better.

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A robust meta-analysis of global studies revealed compelling evidence: increased exposure to greenspace is strongly associated with improved health outcomes. Regular time in nature resulted in:

• Lower salivary cortisol (our body’s stress hormone)

• Decreased heart rate and lower blood pressure

• Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular death

• And people just saying they feel better!

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What’s even more remarkable? These effects weren’t just psychological—they were biologically measurable. Our bodies physically respond to being in nature. We are connected to nature and when we choose to spend time with nature our health improves!

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I think we all know by now that movement is good for us so maybe the previously mentioned information doesn’t surprise you, but another powerful study looked at the effectiveness of nature walks versus treadmill walking and even watching nature videos. While all activities offered some stress relief, walking in nature had the greatest impact on mood and cortisol levels, especially during high-stress periods like exams.

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The power of spending time in nature is felt, is measurable, and goes beyond just the act of moving – there is power in nature to help us melt away our stress and improve our mood.
 

And the benefits aren’t fleeting. Evidence suggests nature walks can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, with positive effects lasting up to three months.

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Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Zion National Park. The towering cliffs, warm rust-colored hues, and flowing river created a sense of awe that photos can’t fully capture. I was surrounded by strangers, yet we were all connected by a shared desire to witness beauty and breathe in peace.

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People traveled across the country and globe not to shop or scroll—but to walk along a river, stand beneath sandstone cliffs, and listen to wind through trees. Why?

Could it be that our bodies know what we need? When we feel tired, overwhelmed, or disconnected, perhaps nature is calling—not just figuratively, but biologically.

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Take a walk in your neighborhood. Sit under a tree in your yard. Or plan a summer hike in one of our breathtaking national parks. Whether it’s five minutes or five miles, time in nature is never wasted time.

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This summer, consider filling your next “prescription” not at the pharmacy... but under the open sky.

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Tera Moorehead is the owner of Peace of Health, LLC. With dual master’s degrees in nutrition and education, as well as a national board-certified health and wellness coach, Tera shares her passion for health and wellness through various programs and services.

1. Twohig-Bennett & Jones, 2019 – Environmental Research [PMC6562165]

2. Bratman et al., 2018 [ResearchGate]

3. Jin et al., 2022 – International Journal of Environmental Research [PMC8953618]