Cape Point Nature Reserve
janaline's world journey

5 Reasons Why Nature is good for you

Recent studies show how important feeling part of nature is to our physical and mental health. I have personally found this to be quite true and think that a connection with nature makes us healthier and happier people. I always feel better or rejuvenated after spending some time out in nature.

Cape Point actually lies within the same national park as the famous Table Mountain – aptly named Table Mountain National Park.
The Cape Point section of Table Mountain National Park covers approximately 20% of the national park, and on a clear day you can see the back of Table Mountain from various vantage points.
The air at Cape Point is among the purest in the world, and thus it is home to one of Global Research Watch’s (GAW) atmospheric research stations.
Cape Point is home to an array of different animals but due to the vegetation, there are not large herds.
The Cape Floral Region makes up only 0.5% of Africa, and yet it is home to more than 20% of the continent’s plants.
The Cape Peninsula’s rich and diverse plant life has earned it eight World Heritage Site accolades from UNESCO
Just an hour’s drive from the bustle and buzz of downtown Cape Town lies a large and peaceful reserve: Cape Point

Here are my top 5 reasons why nature is good for you.

( All of these photos were taken on a recent trip I went on to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. It is a rocky headland on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula, South Africa.)

Cape Point Nature Reserve
Out in Nature at Cape Point Nature Reserve

1. Sunny Skies = Vitamin D, which Helps Your Body Function More Efficiently

While working sometimes a day or two passes without us actually stepping a foot outside. I try to work in a morning walk into my daily routine, to get some fresh air and hopefully some much needed sun. Vitamin D is crucial to humans, helping to prevent disease and infection and improving bone health. It can also elevate mood and reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. Vitamin D also improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure by literally relaxing your blood vessels. And all we need to do to get more of this vitamin is to spend a bit more time out in the sun.

Me at Cape Point Nature Reserve
Nicknamed the ‘Cape of Storms’ by the legendary explorer Bartholomew Diaz, this dangerous section of coast was a welcome navigational point by day, but a menacing obstacle course of fog, hidden rocks and raging thunderheads at night.
a daytrip to Cape Point is filled with dramatic scenery, fantastic hiking trails, deserted beaches and reach-for-your-camera views.
countless sailors and trusty vessels have met their deaths.
Just an hour’s drive from the bustle and buzz of downtown Cape Town lies a large and peaceful reserve: Cape Point – one of the most scenically spectacular parks in the whole of South Africa.
Recognised as a World Heritage Site, the immaculately preserved stretch of land and the ocean that fans out from its base are also responsible for generating a hearty slice of South African maritime lore.

2. Natural Light Normalizes Your Sleep Schedule

Did you know that getting a good dose of sunlight can also help you feel refreshed and relaxed by helping regulate your body’s melatonin production? This is because the sunlight helps regulate Melatonin, a hormone that controls your body’s internal clock (basically, it makes you sleepy). I find that I have trouble falling asleep and suffer from insomnia if I don’t get enough sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Sunlight, especially in the morning, helps regulate your internal biological clock, making it much easier for you to get a good night’s sleep—and wake feeling rejuvenated.

The reserve is fenced due to the variety of wildlife and here you will find and abundance of buck, baboons, Cape Mountain Zebra and over 250 species of bird.
Recognised as a World Heritage Site, the immaculately preserved stretch of land and the ocean that fans out from its base are also responsible for generating a hearty slice of South African maritime lore.
With vistas so breathtaking they seem hijacked from Hollywood’s “Pirates of the Caribbean”, and with an edge-of-the-world allure astounding enough to render nearby urban civilisation almost inconceivable, Cape Point is beyond a doubt one of South Africa’s most magnificent sightseeing and tourist attractions.
Replete with scenic hikes, deserted wild beaches perfect for picnicking, vibrant tidal pools (Bordjiesrif and Buffels Bay) and breathtaking bike paths, the Cape Point Nature
There is a diverse selection of fauna and flora and dense fynbos valleys.
a broad assortment of animal life that ranges from the nearly extinct bontebok to the deadly Cape cobra, call this home.
Easy to reach by car or tour this scenic drive will leave you breathless.

3. Nature Changes Your Brain – For the Better

We all spend more time staring at the bluish glare of our laptop screens than we do appreciating a good sunrise. Spending time in nature is great for concentration, mood, and offers a general mental boost. Just strolling around outside doesn’t really require any elaborate thinking or action, which is great for your mind.

I find the sound of the ocean often puts me in a relaxed and meditative state. A walk in nature, produces calming and beneficial results for our brains making it easier to think clearly and concentrate on tasks.

Cape Point Nature Reserve
Cape Point is one of the country’s most popular tourist sites

4: Get some exercise. Become a Fitter, Healthier You

I’m a firm believer in the idea that nature is good for one’s health. Being out in nature often involves some form of physical activity, whether it be strolling through the park, biking through the mountains, or an exciting river raft ride. This activity both improves physical fitness and our overall health

While I’m out in nature, I usually notice a mixture of people, ranging from relaxed strollers to those who are hoping to burn calories or get fit. I think that’s one of the most beautiful things about nature—all the different ways that you can use it while you enjoy some beautiful scenery along the way.

The Portuguese government erected two prominent crosses at Cape Point that serve as a navigational aid – when lined up, the crosses point to Whittle Rock which was a major shipping hazard in False Bay.
Easy to reach by car or tour this scenic drive will leave you breathless.
Even though on a clear day you feel as if you could see to Antarctica from Cape Point, it is at least 6,000 kilometres away.
Cape Point Nature Reserve
There are two other beacons in nearby Simon’s Town that provide the intersection point.

5. Happiness!!

Let’s face it, being in nature just makes us all happier in general. The great outdoors changes brain chemistry in a positive way, improves mood, decreases stress, provides opportunities for fun, and is simply downright beautiful.

All this ends up making for a happier and, thus, healthier you.

Cape Point Nature Reserve
Even though on a clear day you feel as if you could see to Antarctica from Cape Point, it is at least 6,000 kilometres away.

35 comments

  15. I have been there many times (always a place to take visitors) but do not recall those crosses at all! Nor the sea pool. Lovely images Janaline and you were lucky to see so much wildlife. How’s things in the Cape regarding the water crisis?

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  17. Look at those horns! I’ve been seeing so many great blog posts about South Africa lately – I would love to visit Cape Town when its water problems have been resolved.

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