Recently on social media, I’ve been seeing more and more nature journaling being adapted. Many have been noting that it is one of the most impactful methods for them to unwind and feel more grounded. I can understand why, as nature is filled with amazing, endless things to discover, and taking time out of your day to sit down and truly take in your surroundings can have those effects.
In this post, I would like to reflect and dive deeper into what nature journaling is and how it can impact one’s Mental Health.
What is nature journaling?
If you’re unfamiliar with what nature journaling is, it is the practice of drawing or writing in response to nature.
[insert photo of it here]
When partaking in nature journaling, the participant needs to observe their surroundings and not only write a detailed description, but often draw what they are seeing as well. This, of course, improves observational skills among all else.
Nature journaling is not a quick activity, meaning it can last a few hours to even days, with journalists often revisiting the place they started journaling. This then promotes disconnecting from the world and technology for a little bit in order to reconnect with nature and outside.
This fun, relaxing practice has been shown to help with anxiety, depression, and more, which we continue to explore below.
Benefits of nature journaling
Nature journaling is more than just organized pretty colors within a book. Many from all ages that partake in this activity regularly have found that it produces many benefits, especially when it comes to mental health. View some of them that were outlined from John Muir Laws and heart.org below:
Neural plasticity: Your brain constantly lays down new neurons. Nature journaling is active and dynamic and thereby great brain food. The more we practice it, the more we build up the neurons that support it. You literally rewire your brain by using it.
Discovering something new promotes curiosity and better observational skills. This is a common occurrence in nature journaling
Went out and about in nature oh, your mind and body recharge. Studies have shown improvement in depression, anxiety, stress oh, and even fatigue.
Healthy heart and healthy brain: Your brain needs oxygen. Research shows that walking is a great way to exercise your heart. Incorporating walking in nature as a part of your journaling practice waters your brain.
Social stimulation increases with nature journaling if done in small groups. Think about nature journaling with friends or family on a regular basis and even doing so when traveling.
With all of this being said, nature journaling can be truly beneficial for one’s mental health. The benefits of journaling far outweigh the disadvantages or potential problems, and the best part is that you don’t even have to be the best artist out there.
Have you been nature journaling recently? Have you noticed any benefits? Leave a comment below to let me know. Also, feel free to sign up for my newsletter and send in your wonderful creations!
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