view straight up from ground to sky through a dense tree canopy. [credit: pixabay.com, lefteye81]

Nature and Health

For many of us, nature is a place to play, enjoy, be amazed, connect with others, or find solitude. Nature offers an abundance of opportunities that include positive impacts to our physical, mental, and emotional health. With more Americans living in urban areas, and both adults and children spending less time outdoors; there has been an increase in screen time, sedentary lifestyles, and stress. These factors are directly associated with increased risks for chronic disease and mental health concerns.

This webpage provides resources about the importance of spending time in nature. Time in nature offers protective health benefits and additional health advantages from increased physical outdoor activity.

For a snapshot of how spending time outdoors and connecting with nature benefits youth and adult mental and physical health, read our "Health Benefits of Nature (adults)" and "Nurturing Youth With Nature" fact sheets.

Learn more about a variety of benefits to health, get tips on how to get started, places to visit, and other opportunities to connect with nature.

Health Benefits

Learn more from a variety of sources about how time in nature can benefit multiple aspects of your health. Expand categories to find more information, including resources on more specific ways that nature can benefit your health.

View All Health Benefit Topics
(Chronic Disease, Physical Activity, Mental Health, etc.) +

Chronic Disease Prevention

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Chronic disease is also the leading contributor to our annual health care costs of $4.9 trillion. Three in four adult Americans have at least one chronic condition, many of which are preventable through diet and lifestyle modifications. Time in nature provides a variety of benefits that can reduce risk for chronic disease, such as increased physical activity, improved immunity, improved sleep, and decreased stress.

Physical Activity

People who spend more time in nature tend to engage in more physical activity. Find guidelines for physical activity levels: CDC Activity Guidelines.

Learn more about the benefits of engaging in physical activity outdoors:

Exercise in Greenspace Health Benefits

Brain Health and Cognitive Benefits

Attention Restoration

Attention restoration theory describes how elements of a natural environment help reduce mental fatigue and improve concentration. Attention Restoration Theory Overview

Spending time in nature can benefit children with ADHD

Stress Reduction

Time in Nature Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Mental Health

Mental health is complex and dependent on a variety of different factors. Learn how mental health is both directly and indirectly supported by connecting with nature:

Positive Development

Positive Youth Development, or PYD, is a framework that empowers youth and assists them in developing important social and life skills. Connecting with nature has been shown to support PYD, as well as encourage healthy overall development in youth. Clemson Study: Link between PYD and nature

Stewardship Behavior

Connectedness to nature is the stronger motivator for ecological behavior

Benefits of Environmental Volunteering

Volunteering isn’t just about helping out an organization or the environment, it provides many health benefits for the volunteer as well!

Social Isolation

Nature can Soothe Loneliness (Psychology Today)

Sense of Place

Sense of place refers to meaningful connections individuals have with the place(s) where they are. Sense of place is thought to contribute to an increased sense of belonging and decreased sense of isolation. It is also thought to be a motivating factor for sustainability and conservation practices. Experiences in nature can strengthen a person’s sense of place and connection. Sense of place can also mitigate climate anxiety.

Enriching Nature Benefits with Mindfulness Practices

Practicing mindfulness in nature enhances mental health and mood benefits while fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. Learn more about pairing a mindfulness practice with time spent in nature:

Benefits of Gardening and Horticultural Therapy

back to top

Get Started

Did you know that in some areas physicians are partnering with local parks and writing “nature prescriptions” for their patients?

Set a Goal. Research recommends spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature and at least 150-300 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. Determine your goal, then set yourself up for success by making a commitment that seems achievable.

Choose an activity. Choose something that you'll enjoy, like an activity that sounds fun and safe. That might be a group or solo outing, a volunteer service project, or a citizen science activity. If you need some ideas, explore the "What to Do" section below.

Choose a place. Whether you love nature, are an outdoor enthusiast, or need encouragement to get started, there are nature-based opportunities for all ages, interests, and abilities in Sarasota County. Explore the "Where to Go" section below to find some ideas.

Slow Down and Connect. Use your senses to immerse yourself in the moment. Choose an activity that allows you to slow down and connect with nature, not just hike from Point A to Point B. Focusing on the details of your surroundings will help you feel more connected to the environment and less stressed.

back to top

Where To Go

Nature is everywhere. You can start in your backyard or neighborhood, or venture out to our city, county, and state parks. Getting outside and moving your body doesn't always require a long trip or expensive equipment.

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources has more than 140 sites to choose from. You can find everything from playgrounds and athletic fields to nature trails and beaches.

Our county also boasts two amazing Florida State Parks: Myakka River State Park and Oscar Scherer State Park. Local municipalities also provide green space opportunities within the cities of Sarasota, Venice, North Port, and the Town of Longboat Key.

Accessibility options:

back to top

What to Do

There are many ways to engage with nature. Below are some programs and opportunities provided by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County and our partners.

Guided Nature Walks. EcoWalks are 2-hour nature walks guided by UF/IFAS Extension educators. These walks are offered at various parks throughout Sarasota County and provide an opportunity to learn about our local ecosystems. Learn more and register for an EcoWalk.

Outdoor Mindfulness Opportunities. Meditation walks are based on the tradition of "forest bathing." These 1.5-hour walks focus on slowing down and using your senses to connect with the environment. Learn more and register for a meditation walk.

Eco-Explorer Backpack Kits. Designed to inspire outdoor exploration, these kits are available for free check-out at all Sarasota County Libraries locations. Each kit includes binoculars, a magnifying glass, and various nature guides.

Volunteer Opportunities. Coastal cleanups, gardening, and leading educational programs are great ways to give back while spending time in nature. You can volunteer for local parks or the UF/IFAS Extension office. Visit the Sarasota County Volunteer Portal.

back to top