If you've ever seen children playing in nature, you'd have noticed how they marvel and find real joy in being in touch with different elements in the natural environment. They'll collect sticks and pieces of bark to take home, wonder at the different coloured leaves and flowers and enjoy watching birds soar through the sky. It really is beautiful to see their curiosity and excitement as they sift through soil with their hands, smell different flowers and use their imagination to create games with the elements around them. Although most of us lose this innocent wonder and appreciation as we grow older, one thing that doesn't change is our instinctual, intimate connection with nature.

Recently, in my work with clients, I'm encountering increasing numbers of people who feel impacted negatively by the fast-paced lives they're living, coupled with a lack of physical, natural space in which they can feel free and at peace. My curiosity about my clients' experiences has led me to explore what nature can offer us in terms of a refuge from the stresses of modern living. The result of this exploration has been quite overwhelming and revelatory. Research carried out over many decades supports the view that nature is not only beneficial for our physical and mental well-being, but it can protect and heal.

Since nowadays most of us live in suburban, city locations, our access to nature on a daily basis is limited to parks, the trees and greenery which line our streets or views of the sea. The importance of trees and greenery in these residential and city locations, however, is paramount. Not only do trees filter air pollution and release oxygen, they muffle traffic noise, protect us from harmful UV rays, keep us cool and decrease respiratory conditions such as asthma. Decades of research supports the view that nature also has a crucial part to play in restoring our mental energy, reducing the impact of stress and helping us regulate our emotions.

Some interesting benefits of nature on our well-being are detailed below:

• Being in nature helps to reduce tension, stress and anger, while promoting feelings of calm and happiness.
• Two charities in the UK, RSPB Wildlife Charity and Nature Trust, commissioned studies which found that being in nature was just as important as a healthy diet and exercise. Urban landscapes and pollution have been found to increase stress and anxiety, lower academic performance in children and reduce attention and focus.
• Nature stimulates creativity. The different colours and smells, sounds and textures in our natural environment tend to stimulate our senses while calming our nervous systems, creating space for our imaginations to run wild and for new ideas to emerge.
• Nature can benefit those suffering from depression and anxiety. Apart from its calming effect, nature can restore mental equilibrium and soothe feelings of distress and pain.

Unfortunately, green, open spaces are quite limited here in Malta. Thankfully, however, the sea and our coastal views are just as effective in maintaining balance and calm as green spaces are. Here are a few ideas of how you can reap the healing benefits of nature:

Walk mindfully - Once a day, try to pay attention to your experience as you walk. Notice the feel of your feet touching the floor, the beautiful flowers in your neighbour's front garden, the trees, big and small, which line the streets. Pay attention to the colours of the leaves, the sound of birds singing and the cool breeze blowing against your skin as you walk. While you're doing this, you'll notice your mind growing increasingly silent.

Add a touch of green to your indoor space - whether you live in an apartment or house, go out and buy some plants. Fill your rooms, balcony or outside spaces with colourful flowers and plants. Enjoy doing some light gardening or even growing your own fruit and vegetables.

Go for regular walks in nature - grab the dog, your friend, the kids, your partner and get outside. Put your phone away and allow yourself to switch off and enjoy your surroundings. Notice the sun reflecting on the water, the colour of the trees or the clouds floating in the sky. Pay special attention to the beauty around you and be thankful.

Go for a swim in the sea - once you've done the jelly fish check and are convinced the coast is clear, lie back and allow your body to feel supported by the water. Feel the tension in your shoulders and arms float away with the tide as you unwind and relax.

Watch the sunset, or sunrise - There's something very grounding and reassuring about seeing a new day start or a day come to an end. You can be assured that no matter what's going on in your life, the sun will set at the end of a long day and will rise again the next morning.

Include nature in your holidays - Even if you choose to visit a city when you go abroad, make some time to visit a park, a nature reserve or any large green space.

Replace an occasional gym session with exercise outdoors - Not only will you be improving your physical health but you'll be maximising the emotional benefits.

Go camping - Camping is really exciting and fun, especially for kids. You can star gaze, toast marshmallows over a camp fire, bond with your fellow campers and really get away from it all.  

Green up your workspace - Greenery can help staff feel less anxious and stressed and even increase productivity. Some ideas include plants, nature scenes on the walls, team-building activities outside, and so on.

Whatever way you choose to get in touch with nature, the next time you're by the sea or a green space, I'd like to invite you to try to see your environment with the eyes of a child. I hope that in doing so, you'll slowly start to feel more serene, happy and refreshed. Enjoy! 

Psychotherapist Danjela Falzon works with clients on issues related to anxiety, depression, burnout, stress, relationships, sexuality, personality disorders, self-esteem and self-growth. She forms part of the team at paths Clinic. For more information visit www.paths.care