World Environment Day 2025: How nature helps heal your mind and body

Ever felt your breath slow, your shoulders drop, and your eyes relax as you step into a park or gaze at a sunset? It is said that nature works like a gentle, all-in-one therapy, without side effects.
From reducing anxiety and lowering blood pressure to improving sleep and boosting mood, time outdoors taps into the body's built-in mechanisms for repair and restoration. On this World Environment Day, we speak with experts about how exactly nature helps heal us and give ourselves a reminder that protecting nature isn't just about the planet, it's about protecting our own mental and physical well-being, too.
Doctors say nature offers powerful health benefits
'As physicians, we often emphasise medications, therapies, and clinical interventions. Numerous studies, and my own clinical observations, support the profound impact that time in nature can have on both physical and mental well-being,' said Dr Shrey Srivastav, Consultant Physician at Sharda Hospital.
Why does spending time in nature calm our minds?
According to Dr P Venkata Krishnan from Artemis Hospitals, nature is inherently soothing. Just sitting under a tree or walking by a river can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, helping to ease anxiety. Imagine you are walking through a park, the sun filters through the leaves, birds chirp nearby, and a gentle breeze rustles through the trees. Instantly, your mind feels lighter, stress melts away. Dr Krishnan highly recommends taking quick nature breaks more frequently.
Dr Srivastav explains that nature boosts 'happy chemicals' in your brain like serotonin and dopamine, helping you feel more positive and energised. Even a short nature walk can reduce symptoms of depression and give your brain a refreshing break from screen overload.
Walking barefoot might be exactly what you need
Sounds a bit odd, right? But walking barefoot on grass or sand, what experts call 'earthing', connects you directly with the Earth's energy and can reduce inflammation, improve your sleep, and balance your body's energy systems. 'If you've been working long hours at a desk, this simple act might be a surprisingly effective way to recharge,' said Dr Krishnan.
Why is morning air so good for you?
Early morning air is cleaner, cooler, and packed with oxygen-rich particles. Dr Krishnan points out that breathing in this air sharpens your focus, clears your mind, and gives you an energy boost that caffeine alone can't match. So, stepping outside for just 5–10 minutes before starting your day can make a big difference.
How does nature improve our physical health?
According to Dr Srivastav, spending time outdoors gets your body moving, whether it's a casual walk or a hike in the hills. This activity strengthens your heart, muscles, and immune system, making you more resilient to illnesses. Plus, exposure to natural light helps regulate your sleep cycle, so you get better rest, something every busy professional desperately needs.
Easy natural practices to include in your busy life
Dr Srivastav encourages making these small but powerful practices a part of your routine because nature is essential for your mental and physical well-being. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Hindu

a day ago

• The Hindu

After 13 attempts, a reluctant pregnant tribal woman in Tamil Nadu persuaded into hospital visit

A five-and-a-half-month pregnant woman from Onthanai hamlet in the Bargur Hills of Erode district, who is anaemic, repeatedly refused hospital care for prenatal check-ups despite persistent efforts by health workers. It took a 13th visit and four hours of persuasion on Wednesday (June 18, 2025) to finally take her to the hospital. Malliga (21), from the Solagar community, is married to Madesh. While living in Coimbatore two years ago, she suffered a miscarriage two months into her first pregnancy and was diagnosed with anaemia at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital. A year ago, the couple returned to their native village. Evasion tactic Four months into her current pregnancy, doctors advised a blood transfusion, which was carried out at the Government Erode Medical College and Hospital in Perundurai. Despite medical advice, she refused to follow up with any visits to the Bargur Primary Health Centre. Over the past two-and-a-half months, she evaded health workers on 12 occasions. On spotting their vehicles, she would lock her house and flee into the nearby forest, just 50 metres away. On June 18, a team led by Anthiyur Block Medical Officer (BMO) Dr. Sri Sakthi Krishnan — along with health staff, police personnel, and local residents — visited her home. Initially, the BMO assured her she would not be taken to the hospital, prompting her to allow a basic check of her vitals. When he explained how untreated anaemia could affect the baby's development, she remained adamant about opting for a home birth. Dr. Krishnan then called her husband, who works in Getticheviyur. Madesh urged her to go to the hospital. Still hesitant, she was warned about the risk of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). Relatable call A turning point came when Malliga was shown a video of another pregnant woman who had initially refused care, but later benefitted from hospital treatment. The other woman was contacted through phone and she spoke to Malliga, encouraging her to trust the doctor. United effort Though encouraged, Malliga retreated into her house and stayed there for 30 minutes, declaring she wouldn't come. After continued persuasion by the BMO, staff, family and locals, she finally agreed and was taken to the Government Hospital in Anthiyur in a 108 ambulance. 'I spoke to her from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and persuaded her,' Dr. Krishnan told The Hindu. Tests revealed her haemoglobin level was 9.5 — below the normal 11 — confirming anaemia. However, her echocardiogram and ultrasound showed no complications. Malliga was later dropped home in the ambulance and she promised to attend regular check-ups. Dr. Krishnan noted that persuading women in remote tribal hill regions to seek institutional care remains a serious challenge, as health staff continue efforts to raise awareness about the risks home deliveries pose to both mother and child.

NDTV

12-06-2025

• NDTV

One In Every Four Indians Is Skinny Fat. How Can You Lose Weight If You're One?

You might fit into a pair of jeans labelled 'medium' or have a BMI that falls in the 'normal' range and yet struggle with belly flab, feel sluggish, or lack toned muscles. If that sounds familiar, you're likely dealing with what's known as a skinny fat body type. It's a term that has become increasingly relevant in the world of health and fitness, especially on social media. A recent survey, released in March 2025 by the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), found that 28% of Indians (1 out of every 4) with a normal BMI also had excess body fat. It is also known as "thin-fat" or "metabolically unhealthy non-obese". What Is A Skinny Fat Body Type? According to Kanikka Malhotra, Clinical Dietician and Consultant Nutritionist, "People who appear skinny or have a normal BMI but have reduced muscle mass and a larger percentage of body fat are referred to by this term. You may be able to wear smaller clothing, but your body composition isn't as healthy as it appears." Dr Rakesh Durkhure, Head, General, MI and Bariatric Surgery (Unit IV), Artemis Hospitals, breaks it down further. "This happens when there isn't much muscle mass underneath, even though the body weight is normal. Most of the time, it's because of bad eating habits, not working out enough - especially strength training - and sitting too much," he says. Kushal Pal Singh, Fitness and Performance Expert, Anytime Fitness, a 24 hour health and fitness clubs, adds that skinny fat individuals usually carry excess fat around the abdomen (think beer belly) while having low muscle tone, making their bodies appear soft and flabby despite being lean. How To Figure Out If You're Skinny Fat The problem with skinny fat is that it might be difficult to figure out if you've a skinny fat body type. Here are some signs that might indicate you're skinny fat, as highlighted by the experts: You have a normal BMI but little to no muscle definition (A normal BMI range for adults is between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m²) Your body feels soft or flabby, especially in the belly, hips or thighs You don't strength train or eat enough protein You feel fatigued easily during workouts Your waist circumference is high despite a low body weight To be sure, Singh recommends tests such as a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), or a DEXA scan (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), which can determine your body fat percentage and muscle mass accurately. "Waist circumference (WHR) can also give you an indication of abdominal fat," he adds. Why Being Skinny Fat Is Dangerous For Your Health Looking slim doesn't always mean you're healthy. In fact, the skinny fat body type can hide serious internal issues, according to experts. Malhotra says, "Skinny fat is a risk for your health. Additional body fat and less than enough muscle on your body might increase your risk of various diseases." Such as: Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance Heart disease & high cholesterol High BP Fatty liver disease The main culprit? Visceral fat - the kind that surrounds your organs. It often goes unnoticed but causes inflammation and metabolic disruption. How To Lose Weight If You're Skinny Fat: A Complete Guide Losing weight when you're skinny fat is less about reducing kilos on the scale and more about changing your body composition. And that's all about decreasing fat and increasing lean muscle. Here's what experts have to say: 1. Prioritise Strength Training Over Endless Cardio Dr Durkhure says, "Strength training should be your top priority, 3-5 times a week. Do resistance exercises like squats, deadlifts, push-ups, and weightlifting." Malhotra agrees, also asks to: Lift weights 3-4 times a week Target all major muscle groups: legs, back, chest, arms and core Use progressive overload - gradually increase the weight or resistance Don't worry about bulking up. As Malhotra explains, "Building muscle will take a long to be visible and will make you overall leaner." 2. Be Strategic About Cardio While cardio must have a place in your workout schedule, too much of it can burn muscle instead of fat. Singh recommends: Do cardio 2-3 times a week Choose moderate-intensity activities such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling Include 1-2 short HIIT () sessions weekly Avoid long-duration endurance cardio which can erode muscle mass 3. Eat Smart Nutrition is the cornerstone of transforming a skinny fat physique. Experts stress the importance of a protein-rich diet. This includes 1.2 to 2 grams per kg of body weight, depending on training intensity. Remember to add: Lean protein: Chicken, fish, tofu, eggs, Greek yoghurt Whole foods: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains Healthy fats: Nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil Legumes and beans: Great for fibre and protein Experts also advise to avoid sugary drinks, deep-fried items, packaged snacks and refined carbs such as white bread and sugary cereals. "Begin with a calorie-restricted diet that creates a moderate deficit, but don't go too extreme - otherwise, you'll risk losing muscle," Singh adds. 4. Track Your Real Progress If you're skinny fat, your weight alone is a poor measure of progress. Malhotra advises: Use body measurements (waist, hips, arms) Take progress photos monthly Get periodic body composition tests Focus on non-scale victories: Are you lifting heavier? Do you have more energy? Do your clothes fit better? 5. Build Lifestyle Habits A ripped body isn't built in the gym alone. It's the small daily habits that compound over time. Experts suggest: Getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night for muscle recovery Hydrating yourself, as it aids in fat loss and muscle function Try to manage stress, as it the root cause of major problems, through yoga, walking or journaling - stress can elevate the cortisol hormone, which encourages fat storage. Bottomline With the right approach - combining weights, the right food, and patience - you can build a leaner, stronger, and healthier body, even if you're skinny fat.

Time of India

11-06-2025

• Time of India

Dhyanguru Raghunath Guruji starts awareness campaign on domestic, chemical, medical waste segregation

On World Environment Day, spiritual leader and environmental activist Dhyanguru Raghunath Guruji launched a national awareness initiative focused on the segregation of household chemical and medical waste. The campaign, starting from Pune, aims to educate citizens across urban and rural areas about the hazards of improper waste disposal and the need for structured segregation at the source. Raghunath Guruji, who has blended spirituality with science, has been at the forefront of environmental activism since 2014. Known for integrating scientific thought into Indian cultural and spiritual practices, Guruji raised the issue of separating chemical and biomedical waste at a time when the focus was only on wet and dry waste. His efforts have since been adopted in various regions across India. According to government data, India generates over 700 tonnes of biomedical waste daily, with a significant portion originating from households. Similarly, around 7.9 million tonnes of hazardous chemical waste is produced annually. Household items such as expired medicines, used syringes, batteries, paints, body sprays, pesticides, shampoos, and cosmetics significantly contribute to this waste and have a serious impact on air, water, and soil. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free Chess. No Ads. Just Fun Play Classic Chess Install Now Undo Guruji emphasises that segregating medical and chemical waste at the household level is no longer optional—it is essential. Through his initiative, he encourages families to maintain separate dustbins: Yellow bins for medical waste Red bins for chemical waste Composting and recycling for organic and dry waste He has called upon citizens, NGOs, educational institutions, municipal bodies, political leaders, and industrial stakeholders to join hands in this critical mission. Weekly collection systems, proper incineration, and neutralisation or recycling of chemical waste are key components of the plan. 'Waste is not just a household problem—it's a public health and environmental emergency,' says Guruji. 'Protecting the environment means securing our future.' This month-long campaign will run in various parts of Pune and gradually expand across the country, with the goal of achieving a 'Waste-Free Environment' for India.