Hello, friends!
As the days grow longer and flowers begin to bloom, I find myself lingering outside just a little more—feeling the sun on my face, listening to birdsong, and eagerly watching for the next thing to pop up in my garden. Maybe you’ve noticed it too: there’s something about being in nature that just feels good.
And it turns out, it’s not just in our heads. As a geropsychologist, I’ve seen how spending time in nature supports healthy aging in ways that are now strongly backed by research.
Regular contact with nature—whether it’s walking through a park, sitting in your garden, or even viewing trees from a window—has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system.
Even something as simple as looking at flowers or trees can be deeply soothing. In fact, research shows that seeing natural greenery helps calm the nervous system. The shapes, colors, and movement in the natural world have a quieting effect on the brain—lowering stress hormones and inviting a sense of peace. It’s part of why hospital patients who can see trees from their windows often recover more quickly than those who cannot.
One 2022 study found that just a few minutes of birdsong helped people feel calmer and think more clearly – and listening to birds sing is free. Try to notice your feathered neighbors and see if their songs delight you.
You don’t need to go on a big outing to get the benefits of nature. Small daily moments count. Here are a few simple ways to invite nature in:
- Sit near a window with a view of trees or sky
- Tend to a potted plant or small herb garden
- Walk slowly through your neighborhood and notice one natural detail
- Take a break to listen—really listen—to the birds
These moments offer more than beauty. They help regulate our nervous systems, support clear thinking, and bring a quiet sense of connection. Nature doesn’t rush or demand—it just is. And being near it reminds us to slow down too.
This spring, I encourage you to let nature refresh you. Breathe it in, listen for birdsong, and give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy it. I wish you well in this beautiful season.