The Healing Power of Nature
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It sounded more like a lark than a scientific study when a handful of Japanese researchers set out to discover whether something special–and clinically therapeutic–happens when people spend time in nature. They were inspired by a new recommendation from the Forest Agency of Japan, which in the early 1980s began advising people to take strolls in the woods for better health. The practice was called forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, and it was believed to lower stress–but that hadn’t been proved. Since then, a large body of evidence has shown that spending time in nature is responsible for many measurable beneficial changes in the body.
Recent studies have also linked nature to symptom relief for health issues like heart disease, depression, cancer, anxiety and attention disorders.
“The quiet atmosphere, beautiful scenery, good smells and fresh, clean air in forests all contribute to the effects,” says Li.
1. IT CAN LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
2. EXPOSURE TO IT CAN INCREASE AWE
3. IT PROMOTES CANCER-FIGHTING CELLS
4. IT CAN HELP WITH DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
5. IT MAY HELP WITH ADHD SYMPTOMS
6. EVEN FAKE NATURE HAS BENEFITS
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