The Mental Health Benefits of Nature
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist
Finding Calm in the Chaos: Why Nature Matters for Mental Health
A regular dose of nature supports mental health. I treat time in nature as essential to my psychological well-being. As a clinical psychologist, much of my work involves supporting people through painful and complex emotional experiences. It is work I deeply value, and I have learned that engaging in self-care regularly and intentionally is not an indulgence. It is protective, and it is necessary for sustainable practice.
One of the ways I maintain my own wellbeing is by spending time outdoors. I do not just recommend nature-based practices. I rely on them myself. This simple and powerful habit has become a foundation for how I remain grounded, steady, and able to show up effectively in my work and in my life.
Nature and Mental Health: Evidence Behind the Practice
Research consistently shows that natural environments have measurable benefits for psychological health. Exposure to nature has been shown to:
- Reduce cortisol and physiological stress responses [1]
- Improve attention and executive functioning [2]
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression [3]
- Enhance mood and emotional regulation [4]
- Support parasympathetic nervous system recovery [5]
How I Use Nature as Self-Care in Clinical Practice
For me, nature offers a quiet and reliable form of regulation. Whether it is:
- Walking among trees or along a river or lake
- Listening to waves on a quiet beach
- Feeling sunlight warming my skin
Each of these experiences helps me steady myself. These small moments provide space to breathe out, recalibrate, and reconnect with the values that guide my work.
In a profession where burnout is an ever-present risk, these practices are not merely a pleasant option. They are essential for self-preservation.
Burnout Prevention in the Helping Professions
People working in helping roles give a great deal of emotional energy. Without deliberate repair, they may experience compassion fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and reduced effectiveness.
- Setting boundaries around rest, workload, and recovery
- Using mindfulness and grounding practices
- Spending time in natural environments
- Seeking supervision or therapy for professional support
- Maintaining restorative routines outside of work
If you are seeking support with burnout, anxiety, or stress, therapy can help strengthen emotional regulation, coping strategies, and sustainable wellbeing.
Your Turn: How Do You Recharge?
Many clinicians and helping professionals have their own versions of a mental reset. What helps you steady yourself after holding space for others? I welcome you to share your experiences or connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook to continue the discussion.
Nature as a Tool for Sustainable Support
Nature is one of the most accessible tools we have to regulate, reflect, and restore. It is a reminder that we are part of something bigger, and that caring for our own wellbeing allows us to better support others.
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References
- Hunter, M. R., Gillespie, B. W., & Chen, S. Y. P. (2019). Urban nature experiences reduce stress in the context of daily life based on salivary biomarkers. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 722. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00722
- Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 15(3), 169 to 182. https://doi.org/10.1016/0272-4944(95)90001-2
- Twohig Bennett, C., & Jones, A. (2018). The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes. Environmental Research, 166, 628 to 637. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.030
- McMahan, E. A., & Estes, D. (2015). The effect of contact with natural environments on positive and negative affect: A meta-analysis. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(6)
