- The research shows that people who are connected to nature are usually happier in life.
- Nature has been found to be therapeutic.
Image: HANDOUT
What can beat that perfect Saturday or Sunday evening relaxing outside in the garden watching birds with a hot cup of coffee or tea?
With the increase in technological advancements, people spend most of their time glued on their gargets than they spend outside, a publication by American Psychological Association Natured by Nature says.
Exposing yourself to nature has been linked to a number of health benefits by keeping you emotionally, psychologically and physically healthy.
Nature can be green spaces like parks, gardens, trees in urban areas, streets and indoor plants.
According to research done by the Mental Health Foundation, spending time in nature is good for people as it gives them fresh air and many positive emotions such as calmness, joy and creativity.
The research shows that people who are connected to nature are usually happier in life and more likely to feel their lives are worthwhile.
Spending time in nature can improve your mood, and reduce feelings of stress and anger, nature will help you relax and connect to your local community.
Brenda Wanjiku who lives in Nairobi said that she always craves a green environment to relax when she arrives home from work.
“I work in a bank, and by five o’clock I’m done with my job and I make sure I drive home to meet my plants and see how they are doing.
"I have a small garden in my compound where I have planted trees and flowers. Every weekend I create one hour in the evening to tend to them, I just love how relaxing it feels,” she said.
Wanjiku is not the only one who loves to spend time in the green environment, John Luke famously known as ‘Mtu wa fruits’ loves the sounds of birds on his farm.
Luke is a farmer in Thika, he grows fruits on his farm and has a fruit store in town in which he supplies fruits to other fruit vendors and companies.
“I always have anxieties at the end of my days from work, apart from farming I operate a fruit store in Thika town. When I get home sometimes in the evenings, I always want to watch the birds and hear their sounds which bring such a calming effect to me,” Luke said.
Nature has been found to be therapeutic, try watching the sunset outside your house in the evening with a drink or a book and nature your mental well-being.