The neuroprotective effects of nature: How time outdoors can heal your brain

New Delhi: Even though we live in a fast-paced world shaped by all kinds of digital elements, people still underestimate nature’s profound influence over our cognitive health. Whether it’s ancient wisdom or modern neuroscientific knowledge, there is increasing evidence that spending days on end basking in nature—especially forests, mountains, and waterside zones—yields tremendous neuroprotective benefits and going for a walk in the greenery, getting away from it all to find a comfortable resting place among nature’s rocks. Nature possesses the rare and wonderful ability to heal, foster growth, and restore lost health in our cognitive functions.

In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Umesh Tukaram, Clinical Director & Senior Consultant Neurology, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, spoke about how mental health can benefit by staying outdoors.

The Science Behind Nature’s Healing Power

Studies in neuropsychology demonstrate that access to natural environments correlates with increased cognitive function, reduced stress, and lower rates of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. A major study published in the British journal Nature Scientific Reports demonstrates that spending just 120 minutes per week in nature brings significant improvements to well-being and overall cognitive health.

What might cause this?

1. Lessening of Stress Hormone: Cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, is known to harm brain structures such as the hippocampus, which serves as the storage area for many aspects of learning and memory. Time in green spaces has a calming influence and slows the release of cortisol, thus protecting the brain from chronic stress-related damage.
2. Increase of Neurogenesis: Nature time has repeatedly been associated with greater production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes neurogenesis — the birth of new neurons — and helps learning and memory.
3. Improved Cognitive Function: Researchers have found that environments providing natural stimuli (like birdsong, flowing water, rustling leaves) can promote attention-type skills as well as ones used in problem-solving, and working memory which are needed to get along in society today.

Blue and Green Spaces: Nature’s Prescription for the Brain

Though forests are acknowledged for this sort of curative service, water environments too provide some protection to the brain. The “blue mind theory” implies that being near lakes, rivers, or the sea can induce relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve brain function. The rhythmic sounds of water have a meditative quality about them, and water surfaces themselves promote deep relaxation and clear thinking.

Nature in Daily Life: Practical Steps For Everyone

Adding nature to your lifestyle doesn’t mean revolution. Here’s how to add some nature every day:

1. Morning walk: Take a walk every day in the park or gardens. In summer, this might mean a 20-30-minute stint; but in winter just strolling around your own back yard keeps the blood flowing and spirits high.
2. Forest Bathing: A Japanese practice that involves mindfully immersing oneself in the forest environment for some high-grade, natural relaxation.

Conclusion

As global illness rates of neurological disorders continue to climb, it would seem that in this regard nature has taken on an enchanting tone. Whether preventing cognitive decline, recovering from stress, or simply striving to elevate our thinking, stepping into natural surroundings could be one of the easiest and most effective ways to safeguard your neurological health.

Reference Link

https://www.news9live.com/health/mental-health/the-neuroprotective-effects-of-nature-how-time-outdoors-can-heal-your-brain-2825022