Nature and Time
How Nature Can Change Your Perception of Time
by Mark Romano, ND 
Have you ever felt like time flies by when you are busy, but slows down when you are bored? This is because our perception of time is not fixed, but influenced by various factors, such as our emotions, attention, and environment. One way to experience time differently is to spend more time in nature.
Spending time in nature can help us feel more relaxed, calm, and mindful. When we are in a natural setting, we tend to pay more attention to the present moment, rather than worrying about the past or the future. We also tend to notice more details and sensations, such as the sound of birds, the smell of flowers, or the feeling of the breeze. These experiences can make us feel more connected to ourselves and our surroundings, and enhance our sense of wonder and gratitude.
Research has shown that spending time in nature can have various benefits for our physical and mental health, such as reducing stress, improving mood, boosting immunity, and enhancing creativity. These benefits can also affect how we perceive time. For example, when we are in a positive mood, we tend to underestimate how long an event lasts, whereas when we are in a negative mood, we tend to overestimate it. Similarly, when we are more creative, we tend to lose track of time, whereas when we are less creative, we tend to watch the clock.
Therefore, spending time in nature can help us experience time differently by changing our emotional state and cognitive abilities. By doing so, we can also improve our well-being and quality of life. So next time you feel like you need a break from your busy schedule, why not try going for a walk in the park, do some qigong in nature, hike in the woods, or camp in the mountains? You might be surprised by how much it can change your perspective on time.
Natural time is the time that our bodies and minds follow, based on the cycles of nature, such as the day-night cycle, the seasons, and the phases of the moon. Natural time is also influenced by our individual circadian rhythms, which are the internal clocks that regulate our sleep-wake cycles, hormone levels, body temperature, and other biological function.
The more your body clock is in sync with natural time the better our immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system work. In summary, knowing where you are in natural time is important to be healthy human being on Earth.
