Have you ever felt a sense of peace and joy when you walked in a park, watched a sunset, or listened to the birds? If so, you are not alone. Many people experience positive emotions and well-being when they are in nature or feel connected to nature. In fact, there is a growing body of scientific evidence that shows that nature can have beneficial effects on human psychology and physiology. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways that nature can improve your health and happiness, and some of the practices that you can try to enhance your connection with nature.
One of the most obvious benefits of nature is that it can reduce negative emotions, such as anger, fear, and stress, and increase positive emotions, such as joy, calmness, and satisfaction. This is because nature can provide a sense of awe, beauty, and wonder, as well as a sense of belonging and meaning. Nature can also help us cope with difficult situations, by providing a source of support, comfort, and inspiration.
But nature can also affect our physical well-being, by influencing our bodily functions and systems. For example, exposure to nature can lower our blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. This can help prevent or reduce the risk of various diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression. Nature can also boost our immune system, by increasing the activity of natural killer cells, which are responsible for fighting infections and tumors. Moreover, nature can enhance our cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, creativity, and problem-solving.
How does nature produce these effects? There are several possible explanations. One is that nature can stimulate our senses in a pleasant and diverse way, which can activate different parts of our brain and nervous system. Another is that nature can provide an optimal level of challenge and stimulation, which can keep us engaged and motivated. A third is that nature can facilitate social interactions and relationships, which are essential for our well-being. And a fourth is that nature can align with our innate preferences and needs, which are shaped by our evolutionary history.
One of the ways that we can benefit from nature is by engaging in practices that involve immersing ourselves in natural environments. One such practice is forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku), which originated in Japan in the 1980s. Forest bathing is not about taking a shower or a bath in the forest, but rather about soaking up the atmosphere of the forest by using all our senses. Forest bathing can help us relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with ourselves and nature.
Forest bathing can have healing effects on both our mind and body. According to several studies conducted in Japan and elsewhere, forest bathing can lower blood pressure, heart rate variability, cortisol levels, sympathetic nervous system activity (which is associated with stress), and inflammation markers (which are linked to chronic diseases). Forest bathing can also increase parasympathetic nervous system activity (which is associated with relaxation), natural killer cell activity (which is related to immunity), serotonin levels (which are involved in mood regulation), and alpha brain waves (which are indicative of alertness).
How can we practice forest bathing? The first step is to find a suitable location, preferably a natural forest or woodland area that is quiet and accessible. The second step is to set aside enough time, at least two hours or more if possible. The third step is to walk slowly and mindfully through the forest, paying attention to what we see, hear, smell, touch, and taste. The fourth step is to breathe deeply and calmly through the nose or mouth. The fifth step is to find a comfortable spot to sit or lie down and rest for a while. The sixth step is to express gratitude for the experience and for nature.