The Benefits of Nature on Health and Wellbeing

Spending time in nature has profound effects on both physical and mental health. For hospital staff working in high-pressure environments, incorporating nature into their routines can provide a vital counterbalance to stress, fatigue, and the demands of patient care.

Physical Health Benefits

  • Improved Cardiovascular Health: Exposure to green spaces has been linked to lower blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease. Regular walks in nature can improve circulation and overall heart health.
  • Enhanced Immune Function: Contact with natural environments boosts immune function by increasing natural killer (NK) cells, which help fight infections.
  • Increased Energy: Studies suggest that even short periods in nature can combat fatigue, providing a restorative boost to energy levels.

Practical Application for Hospital Staff:

  • We would encourage you to use outdoor spaces during breaks, even if just for a short walk or to sit in a green area.
  • Have walking meetings or walking meditations during downtime.

 

Mental Health Benefits

  • Stress Reduction: Spending time in natural environments reduces cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone.
  • Improved Mood: Nature exposure has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, improving overall emotional wellbeing.
  • Enhanced Focus and Cognitive Function: Nature acts as a mental reset, reducing mental fatigue and boosting concentration and problem-solving abilities.

Practical Application for Hospital Staff:

  • Create “green corners” or indoor plant spaces in break rooms to simulate natural environments.
  • Use gardens or hospital courtyards as designated quiet spaces to relax and decompress.

3. Benefits for Sleep

  • Exposure to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality. Morning sunlight, in particular, can reinforce the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to better rest.

Practical Application for Hospital Staff:

  • Spend time outdoors, especially during morning hours if working night shifts, to help reset their internal body clocks.
  • We are working on hospital courtyards/ gardens in collaboration with sustainability team to ensure there is space where staff can relax in natural light during breaks.

4. Social Benefits

  • Natural settings foster social connection by creating relaxing environments for conversation and team bonding.
  • Shared outdoor activities, like group walks or gardening initiatives, can strengthen teamwork and morale.

Practical Application for Hospital Staff:

  • Organise team walks or fitness challenges that incorporate nearby parks or hospital grounds.
  • Join in with our gardening projects for staff, which are be therapeutic and promote a sense of camaraderie.

5. Benefits to Patient Care

  • Staff who spend time in nature are more likely to feel recharged and less fatigued, which can translate to better patient care.
  • Exposure to green spaces has been linked to increased empathy, essential for compassionate healthcare delivery.

Practical Application for Hospital Staff:

  • Take your patients outside if able so that you can all benefit from a calming natural environment.
  • Use hospital outdoor areas for relaxation and a positive patient experience. We are soon to provide and outdoor programme in Bluebell woods at Aintree. 

Integrating Nature in a Busy Hospital Environment

For hospital staff, finding time to connect with nature during hectic schedules can be challenging. However, even small interactions with natural elements can have significant benefits:

Create Nature-Inspired Spaces Indoors

  • Use plants and natural décor in break rooms, staff lounges, or corridors to bring elements of the outdoors inside.
  • Install calming artwork or photographs of nature scenes in staff areas to simulate the benefits of outdoor environments.

Incorporate Nature Into Daily Routines

  • Suggest walking outdoors during shift breaks, even for a few minutes, to recharge.
  • Promote outdoor mindfulness exercises, such as grounding techniques or deep breathing in green spaces.

Encourage Nature-Based Activities Outside of Work

  • We will share information about walking routes, nearby parks, nature reserves, or walking trails for staff to explore on their days off.
  • Hobbies like gardening, birdwatching, or outdoor yoga is great for stress-relieving activities.

Key Takeaway....

Nature is not just a luxury but a necessity for maintaining physical and mental health, especially in high-stress professions like healthcare. Integrating small moments of nature into the workday, even in urban or indoor settings, can lead to:

  • Increased resilience to stress.
  • Better physical health and immune function.
  • Enhanced focus, creativity, and overall wellbeing.

Prioritising moments in nature is an investment in personal health and the quality of care they provide.