Why Your Physical Health loves Nature.
Many people will agree that being in natural environments improves your mental mood. Whether that’s swimming in the calming ocean or hiking graceful mountains, most of us can relate to that serene experience of engaging with nature. Over the years, studies have also been conducted on the impact on the physical body as well as the mental state, often with positive finds. Aspects such as cognitive function and sleep quality show a positive increase due to the exposure to nature. Below, we want to show you why spending time in the trees and seas truly does support your well-being.
Stress Reduction and Blood Pressure
Numerous studies have demonstrated that spending time in nature lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormone levels, and promotes relaxation. Nature environments create a sense of calm and tranquillity, leading to decreased nervous system arousal and improved immune system function. Exposure to nature has also been linked to reduced aggression, improved mood, and faster healing, but this is still being explored.
Attention Restoration and Cognitive Function
Attention Restoration Theory suggests that natural environments allow for effortless attention and broad focus, which leads to mental relaxation. In bustling urban settings, attention requires more effort, and causes more mental fatigue. By contrast, being in nature helps restore this cognitive function, improving focus, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
Forest Bathing and Immune Function
Japanese researchers have discovered that spending time in forests, known as "forest bathing," increases the presence of Natural Killer (NK) cells in the immune system. These cells play a crucial role in fighting tumours and infections. Inhalation of organic forest aerosols and exposure to essential oils emitted by trees have been linked to enhanced immune function.
Sleep Quality
Exposure to natural light, particularly sunlight, helps regulate our body's internal clock and improves sleep quality. Direct sunlight influences our circadian rhythm more significantly than artificial illumination, which positively impacts sleep patterns. Sunlight exposure may also have a protective effect on depression symptoms, leading to improved sleep.
Exercise Motivation
Outdoor exercise in green spaces can boost motivation and enjoyment of physical activity. The change of environment, the opportunity for social interaction, and the increased sense of interest and pleasure can contribute to higher exercise intensity and potentially reduced perceived exertion compared to indoor workouts.
Immune System Support
Spending time in natural environments exposes us to non-harmful microorganisms that can strengthen our immune system. This exposure helps train our immune response, enabling it to differentiate between harmless and dangerous pathogens. Maintaining a diverse microbiome through interaction with nature reduces the risk of chronic inflammation and supports optimal immune function.
Connecting with nature is not only a pleasant experience but also a vital component of maintaining and improving physical and mental health. Time spent in natural environments offers numerous benefits, including stress reduction, improved blood pressure, enhanced cognitive function, better sleep, and increased motivation for exercise. As the evidence continues to accumulate, it becomes evident that nature is not just a luxury but a necessity for your overall well-being. Embrace the healing power of nature, and let its wonders nurture your physical health.
