We have long known that walking among trees reduces stress, improves mood, and helps restore energy. However, science has now discovered another unexpected benefit of nature: it can teach us to treat our own bodies better.
Nature helps to love oneself / © Associated Press
In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with an endless stream of “perfect” photos, filters, and appearance standards. Social media, advertising, and the beauty industry often force us to compare ourselves to others, leading many to become critical of their own reflection in the mirror.
However, there is a simple and accessible way to regain inner balance – spending more time in nature. This is the conclusion reached by the authors of a new study, as reported by The Washington Post. Scientists have found that contact with nature improves mental and physical health, positively influences body image, and increases life satisfaction.
Nature Changes Our Attitude Towards Ourselves
The benefits of being outdoors have long been confirmed by dozens of studies. Scientists already know that regular contact with nature helps improve cardiovascular function, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.
Nature walks reduce anxiety, stress, and sadness, while also enhancing the sense of purpose in life and overall psychological happiness.
Now, another important point has been added to this list. The study involved 50,363 people from 58 countries. Its results showed that those who have more frequent contact with nature value their bodies significantly more, treat themselves with greater compassion, and generally feel happier.
Nature Helps Us Accept Our Bodies
Researchers identified two key mechanisms:
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The first is the development of self-compassion. When people are in nature, they become less harsh on themselves. They are less likely to focus on their own flaws and more easily accept their unique qualities.
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The second mechanism is a sense of restoration. The natural environment helps the brain calm down after information overload, creating what is known as “cognitive silence.” When the mind stops constantly analyzing, comparing, and criticizing, negative thoughts gradually subside.
The positive link between nature and body image proved to be remarkably stable, regardless of the participants’ country of residence.
Among Trees, We Stop Judging Ourselves
Psychologists explain this very simply: in nature, no one is judging us. There are no billboards, mirrors, or endless social media feeds dictating beauty standards. Nature doesn’t care if your hair is messy or how much you weigh.
Furthermore, when a person is in a forest, mountains, or by the sea, they begin to feel like part of a much larger system, shifting their perspective. Our personal struggles no longer seem so significant, and our flaws less important.
Top 5 Ways to Get the Most Benefit from Nature
You don’t need to embark on multi-day hikes or live next to a park for this.
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Put away your phone. If your attention is glued to your screen during a walk, the effect of being in nature is significantly reduced. Constant smartphone use outdoors almost negates the positive impact of the natural environment.
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Choose quality over duration. It’s not necessary to spend many hours in nature. It’s much more important to be present in the moment, even if you’re just walking to work, tending a garden, or walking children to school.
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Practice mindfulness. The next time you go outside, try to find three things that bring you joy. It could be birdsong, the smell after rain, the rustling of leaves, or the feeling of grass under your feet.
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Listen to your emotions. Ask yourself what you are feeling right now: peace, relief, or gratitude. It’s even worth photographing moments that touched you or writing down your thoughts after a walk.
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Find similarities between yourself and nature. If you’re overwhelmed by critical thoughts about your appearance, look for analogies in nature. For example, you can admire the resilience of trees or the persistence of squirrels, which will remind you that these same qualities are within you. This simple psychological trick helps you feel connected to the world around you and stop viewing yourself through the lens of your flaws.
The most pleasant aspect of this research is that positive changes don’t require drastic steps. You don’t necessarily need to plan far-flung trips or long hikes. Sometimes, it’s enough to simply look out the window at the tree near your home, take a stroll in the nearest park, tend to houseplants, or listen to birdsong for a few minutes on your way to work.
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