Smells, sounds, exercise, and even patterns have demonstrated a positive impact on the human brain, fostering relaxation, mood improvement and even an increase in creativity and focus. The Attention Restoration Theory (ART) proposes that exposure to nature can also help us improve our focus and ability to concentrate. As little as ten minutes in nature can allow the analytical side of the brain to rest, while the sensory side is stimulated, as we're alert to environmental conditions.

When we're back to our daily lives (be it work, school or home), the analytical side of the brain kicks back in, but now is more focused and creative from having rested. We're calmer and our creativity, problem-solving, communications and social skills are enhanced. The more time spent outdoors, the longer the mental impacts last.

Find out about different ways outdoor recreation can help with your mental health... then gift yourself some time outside surrounded by "those who take care of us." 

^{PHOTO: Aromatic prairie onion flower by Kelly Povo}

Forest bathing is a Japanese practice of walking slowly and mindfully in nature, using your five senses to “soak” in the ambiance of the forest. Forest plants and trees emit phytoncides, natural oils they use to defend themselves against pests. Phytoncides improve the human immune system by increasing activity of natural killer cells, the cells that respond to virus-infected cells and tumor formation. This effect can last more than 30 days after time in the forest! Phytoncides help increase anti-cancer proteins, and reduce blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones, as well as anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion. 

Prairie flowers such as wild bergamot (pictured), hyssop, wild onion and prairie rose produce pleasant aromatic fragrances that can boost mental wellbeing. 

More on the benefits of phytoncides and forest bathing from the U.S. Forest Service and the National Library of Medicine. Keep an eye out for programs lead by certified forest bathing naturalist Sara Holger at Whitewater State Park.

According to a recent study, of the three types of natural sounds (birds, water, and mixed), the sounds of water were most effective at improving positive emotions and health outcomes. Bird sounds are shown to be the best to help combat stress and annoyance.

More on the study on nature sounds conducted by the National Park Service Colorado State University, Canada’s Carleton University and Michigan State University from EverydayHealth.com and the Smithsonian Magazine. 

PHOTO: Yellow warbler by Monica Bryand. Frontenac State Park boasts the most bird species of any Minnesota state park, and is tops for warblers! Use the nifty interactive bird poster from Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine to identify the different species by ear.

My passion for helping others discover the impact of spending time in nature for health and wellness has been inspired by personal experiences. My husband and I went to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area after we got married and it was a very restorative and helpful experience, as I was doing an intense residency training at the time. After that trip, we both agreed we were going to make wilderness vacations a priority and try to inspire others to do the same.

For me, the most important reason to get out in nature is for stress relief. Throughout the day, our minds are busy focusing and using organizational functions, kind of like a computer, to accomplish many tasks. By going outside, we can give our minds a break, as our body has an innately restorative response when we're in nature. This break is like a reset button that helps us be more engaged when we return to our daily activities.

You don't have to wait for that big vacation in the wilderness, though. You can spend time in nature daily! Find something really small and enjoyable to get started. Sit outside by a couple of plants or find some "green" right outside your door. You take a break and these small doses and tiny exposures can help reset the mind and body.

After I gave birth and went through postpartum depression, I hiked more than ever before. I took my daughter with me and carried her on my back. It was good for both of us. Now that she's walking, I enjoy watching her explore her surroundings. I love raising my daughter in the outdoors. It's important to me to teach my daughter that we're connected with nature. 

The outdoors is a space for everyone. Mother nature doesn't discriminate, and it doesn't care about the color of your skin. So come as you are and be yourself. It can be scary for some to be in a space where you feel unwelcome. I felt that way when I first began hiking, as I didn't see anyone that looked like me on the trail. Most people I saw were white, and I felt that I was in their space.

But again, Mother Earth reminded me that I belong. It didn't matter that I was a refugee seeking refuge, I have the right to feel at ease when I'm in the great outdoors. It's crucial for me to teach my daughter the same thing... so I wrote her a book about what her little legs can do outdoors and through different seasons.

You too can find your own therapy in the outdoors. Be like Remona and her daughter and go find out what your legs can do outdoors. Follow their adventures on Instagram.

Suffering meets bliss—and something approaching enlightenment?—on the canoe portage trail. Full story.

Minnesota Conservation Volunteer is a print magazine dedicated to Minnesota’s wild places and creatures. For more stories, visit mnDNR.gov/MCV or subscribe.

Upcoming Programs and Events

• Increase mindfulness, relax and connect to the outdoors: Beauty in the Little Things: A Nature/Art Practice at Interstate State Park, May 14 or 21 from 10 am – Noon
• Slow down and experience the forest with your five senses on a guided Forest Bathing Walk at Afton State Park on Sunday, June 26 from 10 am – Noon.

Check mnDNR.gov/PTcalendar for a complete list of events.