With Coach Alexa, Online Running Coach for We Run
The Health Benefits of Being in Nature
Hi, team! Coach Alexa here—coach for Redding, South Oxfordshire, and online.
Continuing my Pillars of Health series, today I want to talk about the growing body of information on the impact of being in nature – not just seeing it but physically connecting with it through all the senses, including touch. There’s increasing evidence showing how being outdoors can have a huge positive impact on our health and wellbeing.
As runners, we might already get a sense of this. Even if you live in an urban area, running past tree-lined streets or through parks can bring moments of connection to nature. This time of year, I love spotting snowdrops, crocuses, and the first daffodils – little signs of seasonal change that remind us of the natural world around us.
If you’re lucky enough to have access to trails or green spaces, you’ve probably noticed how spending time in nature lifts your mood and shifts your state of mind. But there’s even more to it than that.
Why Nature Has Such a Powerful Effect on Us
Being in nature – whether running, walking, or just sitting outside – offers an opportunity to reset, recharge, and ground ourselves.
While running in green spaces is a great way to experience nature, we can also benefit from deliberately taking time outside in other ways:
- Going for walks
- Sitting on a park bench or by a river
- Simply spending a few minutes outdoors, like many of us did in 2020 during the pandemic
Even small moments in nature can have a significant impact on our mental clarity, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.
The Science Behind Nature’s Benefits
There’s increasing research showing the physical and mental benefits of being in nature.
- Trees release natural chemicals that can positively affect our mood and wellbeing.
- Daylight exposure helps regulate our hormones, energy levels, and sleep cycles.
- Engaging all five senses – seeing, smelling, hearing, touching, and even tasting the fresh air – can be a form of mindfulness.
This sensory experience of nature is something we often don’t even realise we’re engaging with, but it plays a crucial role in how we feel.
The Power of Physical Connection with Nature
One of the most interesting areas of research now is the effect of physically touching nature.
- Running your hand along leaves or tree bark as you pass by.
- Walking barefoot on grass for a few minutes.
- Sitting on a tree stump or the ground instead of a bench.
This physical connection has been shown to have a calming effect on the brain and body, helping with stress and overall wellbeing.
I always find it fascinating when science backs up something we’ve instinctively known all along – that spending time outside just feels good. For many of us, a day with time in nature is better than a day without it.
How to Get More Nature in Your Daily Life
Even if you can’t spend long periods outdoors, there are still ways to bring nature into your routine:
- Watch birds outside your window if you can’t get out.
- Take breaks outside – sit on a park bench, find a quiet green space, or walk around your local area.
- Try walking meetings instead of sitting indoors – if the weather is good, an outdoor meeting in a park or open space can be refreshing.
Back when I worked in an office in London, I always made sure to get at least 10 minutes outside every day. That short time in a local park was enough to reset my mind and improve my focus.
Want to Learn More?
There’s a fantastic book I absolutely love called The Nature Fix by Florence Williams.
It’s full of scientific evidence from different cultures and researchers around the world, showing how and why nature is so beneficial. Plus, it offers practical ways to bring more nature into your life.
Try It for Yourself!
Over the next couple of days, try spending a little more intentional time outside – whether that’s on a walk, during a run, or just sitting in a green space for a few minutes.
Let me know in the comments: How does spending time in nature positively affect you?
Happy running! 🌿🏃♂️
