By Iolee Anagnostopoulou
With its relentless pace and digital distractions, the modern world often leaves us feeling drained. But reconnecting with nature can be a game-changer for both our physical and mental health. With spring in the air and warmer days ahead, now’s the perfect time to embrace some helpful homegrown wellness trends.
All-natural self-care practices are gaining momentum as people seek sustainable ways to improve their well-being. Hashtags like #GrowYourOwn, #NatureTherapy, and #SelfCareSunday inspire thousands to try something new. Online communities provide support, tips, and motivation, making it easier for newcomers to adopt these habits and stay committed.
Another growing trend encouraging this turn to nature is the wave of local wellness movements rising globally. Community gardens, yoga classes in the park, and nature retreats are becoming more common, offering people the chance to reconnect with the outdoors and like-minded individuals.
Integrating such natural elements into our daily lives through simple, local routines—think morning walks in the park, tending to a vegetable patch, or just gazing at the sky—can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall wellness. Let’s find out how.
The Science Behind Nature’s Healing Powers
Numerous studies highlight nature’s positive effects on mental health. A 2019 study published in Scientific Reports shows that spending 120 minutes or more a week in nature significantly improves well-being and life satisfaction. Another study from the University of Washington linked regular exposure to green spaces with reduced anxiety, increased happiness, and greater social connectedness.
Even a brisk 15-minute walk in a green space has been shown to lower heart rates and decrease stress hormone levels. And for those without easy access to parks or gardens, research suggests that simply looking at images of nature can have a calming effect on the brain.
Here are some homegrown wellness trends to help you to harness all those benefits:
Gardening Therapy
Cultivating a personal garden is particularly rewarding. Whether it’s a backyard vegetable patch, potted herbs on a balcony, or an allotment in a community space, gardening offers multiple benefits:
- Mindfulness And Stress Reduction: Planting, watering, and harvesting require focus and patience, making this a natural mindfulness practice. It allows you to be present in the moment, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
- Physical Exercise: Digging, weeding, and tending to plants provide moderate exercise, which benefits cardiovascular health and muscle strength.
- Better Nutrition: Growing your own fruits and veggies means having access to fresh, organic produce and reduces your reliance on processed foods.
Even if space is limited, vertical gardens, windowsill herb containers, and indoor hydroponic systems allow urban dwellers to grow their own.
Forest Bathing
The Japanese tradition of ‘Shinrin-yoku’, or forest bathing, involves immersing yourself in a wooded environment while engaging all five senses to fully experience the natural surroundings. This practice has also been linked to physical benefits like lower cortisol levels, reduced blood pressure, and improved immune function.
If you don’t have a dense forest nearby, local parks, woodlands, and even tree-lined streets will provide a similar effect. The key is to slow down, breathe deeply, and pay attention to the sights, sounds, and textures around you.
Water Therapy
Turns out, it’s not just green spaces that carry benefits—blue spaces (areas near water) are just as powerful. Studies show that being near lakes, rivers, or the sea can significantly reduce stress and enhance feelings of tranquillity.
If you’re not lucky enough to live by the coast, consider incorporating water-based activities into your routine. Wild swimming, paddle boarding, or even sitting by a fountain can have calming effects. For indoor relaxation, a warm bath can mimic the soothing sensations of natural water sources and even reduce the risk of heart disease.
Natural Skincare And Herbal Medicine
Another key aspect of homegrown wellness trends is the shift towards natural self-care products. Personally, I gave up chemical-laden lotions a couple of years ago and started making my own from scratch—my skin has never looked or felt better.
Here are some natural alternatives that are not only better for you but also promote a more sustainable approach to self-care:
- Herbal Teas And Tinctures: You can easily grow chamomile, mint, or lavender at home and use them for relaxation or digestive health.
- DIY Skincare: Simple blends of honey, oats, and aloe vera make excellent face masks, while coconut oil and shea/cocoa butter create a wonderful base for natural moisturisers.
- Aromatherapy: Essential oils from locally sourced plants, such as rosemary and eucalyptus, can boost relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Embracing homegrown wellness trends doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes. Small, consistent actions can lead to significant improvements in well-being. Whether it’s by growing a small herb garden on your windowsill or taking a daily walk in nature, these local self-care routines provide a way to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters.
How will you embrace the healing power of nature this spring? Let us know in the comments below.