Never underestimate the power of nature!

So many of us are spending way too much time on screens. Nature is the perfect antidote to technology.

There are many studies that highlight the benefit of spending time in nature.

It can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety levels

• Help improve job satisfaction

• Boost immunity by increasing the activity of natural killer cells

• Improve sleep quality

• Improve mental focus including memory and concentration

• Reduce blood pressure

• Improve symptoms of depression stress and anxiety

• Lower levels of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol

• Help to reduce children’s ADHD symptoms

One of the reasons why nature has these healing properties has been down to something called fractals. Fractals are naturally occurring geometric patterns which occur in nature. They emerge naturally in clouds, snowflakes, raindrops, trees, rivers, lakes and along coastlines and our brains are hard wired to respond positively to these patterns.

Studies of brain scans show how fractals can activate the para hippocampus, an area of the brain which helps to regulate emotions. Research has shown that when we look at fractals, even for a short amount of time, we get spikes in alpha brain wave activity which is present when we are in a relaxed ‘thrive’ state.

Getting outside daily, especially in the morning light, can make a real difference to your wellbeing. Research shows that morning daylight helps regulate your body clock and significantly improves sleep quality. Even a few moments spent looking up at the sky; noticing the clouds, the stars, or the moon, and tuning into the sounds of nature, like birdsong, can help lower stress hormones.

In our fast paced lives, these simple gifts of nature are powerful reminders to pause, breathe and reconnect.