Why This is The Time To Start Appreciating Nature

The global lockdown following the COVID-19 pandemic has completely disrupted our lives. However, it also led to some positive developments when it comes to nature. As transportation literally came to a halt across the globe, we have seen an overall improvement in air quality. Furthermore, with some businesses choosing to stay closed and employees continue working from home, now is a great time to explore nature — with caution, of course. 

Reversing the trend

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At the start of the 21st-century, we saw a major fall in the number of people using outdoor spaces for entertainment and leisure. This came after outdoor space usage peaked in the 1980s and 1990s before starting to fall with the surge in new entertainment technologies. 

The fall in outdoor space use came about with better TV equipment, videos, and now streaming services. Add cell phones and game consoles to the list, and we are on track to living a more sedentary than ever before.

COVID-19 has increased the number of people taking to their local outdoor spaces to break the monotony of spending endless days indoors and to reconnect with nature.

Improvements to nature

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Some of the big changes we’ve seen during the lockdown has been the air quality we all breathe and the number of animals reclaiming their place in the world. 

Global news feeds featured stories of clean waters in Venice where it was traditionally polluted due to tourism in the area. Furthermore, lions have taken over roads in rural South Africa because of the roads of traditional safari routes are quiet.

Consider your mental health

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There are many reasons you should look back to nature at this time. Our mental health has never been more important than before, as we all try to grasp what is happening in the world and cope. Our mental health can be positively affected by spending time outdoors to keep ourselves in a mentally impressive place.

Studies have shown a 50-minute walk in an open, outdoor space can significantly improve our cognitive skills. 

Spending time outdoors and reconnecting with nature can greatly affect our well-being. Apart from a renewed appreciation for nature, you’re also able to reduce stress and anxiety.