Can Spending Time in Nature Help with Cancer and Treatment Symptoms and Side-Effects?

While treatment may be lifesaving, many folks experience a wide variety of treatment side-effects that lead to a reduction in quality of life and an increase in stress. Some of these side-effects may include extreme fatigue, nausea, brain fog, insomnia or troubles sleeping, reduction in the immune system, and troubles with memory [1]. A very large component of navigating a cancer diagnosis is the emotions (anxiety, fear, sadness, and more), stress of juggling cancer related appointments with other demanding life responsibilities such as work, children, family, and so much more! [2]. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, and a cancer diagnosis and treatment can quickly become overwhelming. Many folks will begin to look at options for ways to reduce the side-effects and concerns that build-up during Cancer. One way (of many) that may work in reducing or helping with side-effects can be spending time in nature.

How Can Nature Help?

• Walks in nature can help your memory [3].
• People who sit in nature for at least 15 minutes a day experiences better emotional wellbeing [4].
• Exposure to natural light may speed up healing from surgery and reduce pain [4]. Remember to wear sun protection especially during treatment.
• Taking a quick break and interacting with nature can refresh your brain and improve concentration [3].
• Spending time in nature may reduce cortisol which is the stress hormone [3].
• A reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation, and irritability has been observed in people who spend time in nature [4].
• Nature is shown to have amazing impact on physical health as well such as improving vitamin D supply, reduce pain, strengthen immune system, and reduce chances of developing other diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and several others [4].

How can I increase my time in nature?

Life can be busy and that makes it harder to adventure into nature on a consistent basis. However, there is no need to plan for an extensive hike or going deep into the woods. There are ways that you can integrate spending time in nature on your property or a nearby park. Starting small and building onto the outings can make it more sustainable which may lead to long-term benefits. Here are some ways to add nature to your lifestyle:

• Find a safe space outside your home to sit and observe your surroundings. Maybe you will focus on the birds or the warmth of the sun. Use your 5 senses to take in your surroundings. Sit out there for 15 minutes each day and take in the beautiful nature around you.
• Join a walking group in your area or form your own group. You may be feeling ill from treatment, so a small 10-20 slow paced walk is better than nothing.
• Go to a nearby flower garden (even if it is the one attached to Walmart or Costco) and smell the flowers. Watch the bees, flies, and other bugs as they enjoy the flowers around you as well.
• Take a picnic basket to a nearby nature attraction such as a lake, waterfall, ocean, or whatever works for you and enjoy a meal in nature.
• – You can enjoy watching a nature video, the sound of a bubbling creek or the sight of rolling waves. These can provide the same benefits on days when you stay indoors.Depending on your location, you may be eligible to receive a free park pass so that you can enjoy the national park attractions and trails. If you want to know more about this, please reach out to me at support@colorectalcancercanada.com

The important part is you do what works best for you. Every person will have a different idea of enjoying nature and accessibility to nature will change per person as well. The importance is that you can get out in the sun and enjoy the fresh air to reap the benefits that nature has to offer.

 

 

References:

[1] Yale Medicine. (2024). Side effects of cancer treatment. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/side-effects-cancer-treatment#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20most%20common,all%20cancers%20and%20cancer%20treatments.

 

[2] Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Common feels after cancer treatment. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/survivors/healthy-living-guides/emotional-health/common-feelings.htm#:~:text=Anxiety%20and%20Depression&text=It’s%20normal%20to%20still%20feel,to%20your%20doctor%20about%20options.

 

[3] McMaster University. (2021). 7 benefits of spending time in nature. https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/7-benefits-of-spending-time-in-nature/

[4] Peterson, Amberlee. (2019). 10 Reasons why being in nature is good for you. Select Health. https://selecthealth.org/blog/2019/07/10-reasons-why-being-in-nature-is-good-for-you