Spending time in nature can have a profound and positive effect on our health and wellbeing. Indeed, studies in the field of environmental psychology examining how our relationship with nature impacts our mental and physical health consistently find that they are inextricably linked.<\/p>\n

Limit our access to, and interaction with, nature and our health suffers; spend more time nurturing our connection to the natural world and we thrive (and that goes for both of us).<\/p>\n

A 2019 study of over 20,000 people led by the University of Exeter Medical School found that spending just two hours a week in nature \u2013 whether being active or just sitting and observing \u2013 \u201csignificantly boosts\u201d our mental health and life satisfaction. Extrapolate from this and the benefits of wider, regular exposure to the natural world may be life-changing.<\/p>\n

\u201cChoosing to spend time outdoors, somewhere green, is certainly my prescription for stressed out bodies and minds,\u201d says Dr Rangan Chatterjee, GP, author and BBC One broadcaster. \u201cResearch has found that time spent in green spaces lowers stress by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It can also reduce symptoms of depression, help increase attention span and focus, boost the immune system, increase our energy levels, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure, and improve sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

The books in this article examine the effect that the natural world has on our mental health, and provide tips on connecting with it. The books were chosen by Kirstie Duhig, or reviewed in BBC Wildlife Magazine<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Did you know?\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Reading for six minutes lowers cortisol, and with it your stress level, by 68%. It works by helping to clear your mind and minimise body tension.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Related content:\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Beneath the Waves<\/em>, beautiful artwork from hand-press plants<\/a><\/li>\n
A book at bedtime: why children fall in love with fictional animals<\/a><\/li>\n
A-Z of mindfulness in nature, by\u00a0BBC Countryfile Magazine<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
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Books on mental health, mindfulness and connecting with nature<\/h2>\n
Mindful Thoughts for Birdwatchers: Finding awareness in nature<\/h3>\n
By Adam Ford. Published by Leaping Hare Press.<\/p>\n
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Did you know?\u00a0<\/h4>\nReading for six minutes lowers cortisol, and with it your stress level, by 68%. It works by helping to clear your mind and minimise body tension.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Books on mental health, mindfulness and connecting with nature<\/h2>\n

Did you know?\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Reading for six minutes lowers cortisol, and with it your stress level, by 68%. It works by helping to clear your mind and minimise body tension.\u00a0<\/p>\n