Embracing Wellness Outdoors: 5 Benefits of Being in Nature

In a world where screens command so much of our time and attention, it can be easy to overlook the simple pleasures and benefits of spending time in nature. Researchers of ecosystem resilience and human psychological resilience use the term “urgent biophilia” to describe the way people often turn to nature when experiencing stress. Natural outdoor spaces, even those limited tracts of land available to us living in big cities, can have a profound impact on our physical and mental wellness.

From the calming effect of birdsong to the beauty of natural fractal patterns, the world beyond our screens has so much to offer. Here are five key benefits of trading screen time for time spent in Central Park.

Experience Birdsong Bliss

One of the most beautiful and calming aspects of spending time in Central Park is the symphony of birdsong from the 210 species of birds that make their home in or migrate to the Park every year. But it’s not just pretty to listen to. The melodic chirping of birds can have a positive effect on mental health. Studies have shown that listening to birdsong can ward off negative emotions, lower cortisol levels, and reduce stress and anxiety, even hours after an initial encounter with birds. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed, take a stroll through Central Park and let the sweet sounds of northern cardinals, American robins, blue jays, cedar waxwings, red-bellied woodpeckers, and other birds native to the area wash over you.

Breathe in the Scent of Serenity

The fresh, invigorating scent of evergreen trees is not only pleasant to the nose but also has numerous health benefits. Breathing in the phytoncides released by evergreens can boost the immune system, increase energy, and reduce blood pressure and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Spending as little as 20 minutes in a wooded area (what the Japanese call “shinrin-yoku” or “forest bathing”) can produce positive results. Next time you're feeling under the weather or just need a mood boost, head to Central Park with its abundance of spruces, hemlocks, pines, hollies, and cedars, and take a deep breath of the healing forest air.

Step Your Way to Stress Relief

Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise and an excellent way to promote mindfulness. And what better place to take a walk than in a park surrounded by nature? A 30-minute walk in a greenspace has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, boost mood, and reduce stress, as well as lower cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure. And Central Park is designed to be walkable; it takes just under an hour to walk from one end of the Park at 59th Street to the other end at 110th Street at a moderate pace (and just over half an hour for those walking more briskly)—if you’re choosing a direct route. Central Park’s 58 miles of meandering walking paths offer endless opportunities to stroll your way to serenity.

Experience the Beauty and Complexity of Infinite Detail

Encountering natural fractal patterns in nature can be incredibly soothing. The endless repetition of shapes at different scales creates a sense of harmony and order, which can have a calming effect on our psyches. This connection to nature’s intricate designs, as seen in trees, animals, snowflakes, lightning, geographic terrain, and even clouds, can help reduce stress and promote a sense of wellbeing. Moreover, building on some of the natural fractal patterns found in Central Park, its co-designers, Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, used exposed ancient bedrock formations that form fractal patterns at Summit Rock, the highest natural elevation in the Park, and Vista Rock, the site of Belvedere Castle, which was built from schist excavated from the Park.

Thrive Together in Nature

Spending time in nature can strengthen community bonds by fostering connections with others and building a sense of belonging. Engaging in outdoor activities together, such as hiking, picnicking, or birdwatching allows people to bond over shared experiences and create lasting memories. Looking for a way to connect with nature and find like-minded individuals? Check out the Central Park Conservancy’s slate of tours and other public programming, offered year-round.

Danny Vazquez is an editor, educator, and arts administrator from Queens, NY. He loves walks in parks with dogs.