If you're feeling depressed or anxious, go hug a tree.
Seriously.
Research shows that spending time outdoors can be a highly effective way to restore your sense of calm and well-being when you're feeling stressed.
But you don't need to raft the Grand Canyon or trek the Himalayas to feel better. In her new book The Nature Fix, science journalist Florence Williams reports that as little as 15 or 20 minutes spent strolling or sitting peacefully outside can reduce the angst we feel from the problems we face inside.
Williams' book arrives none too soon. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control report that women between the ages of 40 and 59 suffer more depression than any other age or gender group. In fact, one out of every four women in America is taking an anti-depressant or other medicine to reduce depression and anxiety. Women are highly sleep-deprived, too, which should come as no surprise given everything we're juggling at home, at work, and in our communities.
How does spending time in nature help? In her book, Williams, 49, a resident of noisy and high-pressure Washington, D.C., reveals that walking, hiking, and biking help her relax and calm down. Being outside makes a big difference to her two teenagers too, who, she reports, fight a lot less when they're outdoors interacting.
Getting outside helps us sleep better, too. Why? Ironically, when nature activates our sense of sight, smell, sound or touch, it might actually relax the parts of the brain that wind us up.
Want to create your own nature fix? Start with something short and sweet. Walk around the block, or simply sit on your porch or patio. The idea is not necessarily to do anything in particular outside. Rather, just be outside. Listen to the birds. Feel the wind. Look up at the sky.
And one more thing: When you do go outside, leave your cell phone at home. The real benefit comes from being unplugged.
