It is neither a secret nor a surprise that stress and diabetes do not go well together. High stress levels result in increased blood pressure, hormone interruption, and poor overall body function and can be a source of concern where diabetes is concerned.

There are many ways to eliminate and reduce stress, ranging from eliminating the source of stress (quitting a high-intensity job for instance) to learning how to breathe properly. One simple way to reduce stress that is often overlooked and underused is getting out and into nature, leaving the hustle and bustle of city life behind.

Nature’s Remedy

Humans are getting further and further from nature. One study found that only 10% of teenagers went outside for recreation purposes. As developments and cities grow, cortisol levels also seem to increase. As cortisol levels rise, your blood pressure increases, weight gain skyrockets, and your blood sugar levels spike, all of which are extremely problematic for those with diabetes.

Happily, substantial bodies of research are finding that getting out of your house and out of the city and into nature—even if “nature” is a park in the middle of the city—reduces cortisol levels and essentially resets your brain, giving it some much-needed rest.

While everyone could use some mental rest and relaxation, mental rest is particularly important for people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, as stress levels are naturally higher, and sleep and fatigue issues are frequently present.

Applying Nature to Your Life

To properly reset your brain, one study found that you must get out into nature for 3 days, leaving phones and screens behind. To improve stress levels, you only need to get out for 15 minutes per day. You can take a walk, go on a hike, swim in a lake, or even just rest and have a picnic in the grass.

If you’re struggling with stress and, consequently, the effects of high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and unseemly weight gain, getting out into nature may provide your body with the rest, relaxation, and reprogramming it desperately needs.

Nature can be applied to your family, as well; if you are married or have children, taking a regular foray into the great outdoors can help prevent the onset of diabetes due to stress-related conditions, with the bonus of improving mental health and clarity.