🌿 The Impact of Nature on Your Health 🌿

How often do you find yourself truly immersed in nature? For many of us, the answer is: not nearly enough. Yet the research is clear—even brief moments outdoors can profoundly boost our well-being. As occupational therapy practitioners, Heidi and I have long recognized nature’s therapeutic value. When we explored the science behind it, the findings were powerful. In Brain Wash, Drs. David and Austin Perlmutter note that hospital patients with views of trees are discharged sooner than those facing buildings. Nature helps us heal—literally. The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) of England adds: “When we have high levels of nature-connectedness, we are often happier in life, feel our lives are more worthwhile, and have lower levels of depression and anxiety.” MHF England mentions that being close to nature can improve mood, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being (MHF of England, 2022). So what is it about nature that brings us back to ourselves and makes these changes? For us, it’s the grounding presence, the reminder to slow down, and the space it creates to reconnect with our surroundings, with others, and with ourselves. Even as busy professionals, we can find small ways to bring nature into our days: 🌿 Add greenery or flowers to your workspace. 🚶‍♀️ Take a short walk or eat lunch outside 🌼 Create a small garden or outdoor nook at home✨ Taking even one small step toward nature can be a powerful act of self-care. What’s one simple thing you could do this week to reconnect with nature—and with yourself? Let us know in the comments. Stay tuned—Debra and I are planning a nature-inspired retreat designed to help professionals like you recharge and reconnect, involving various techniques such as breathing and sound to support your nervous system.

1: 👉 Comment below with your favorite way to bring nature into your daily life—we’d love to hear what’s worked for you!

2: 💬 What’s one small change you could make this week to spend more time outdoors? Go for a walk!

3: 📩 Interested in our upcoming retreat? Send us a message or email heidi.alignOT@gmail.com