Nature is very essential for life because if there were no nature, we wouldn't be existent. Especially trees, they give us the oxygen to live and breathe. Nature is also essential because we have comfortable clothes, right? Some of your clothes are made out of animals.
It looks evident that spending time in nature makes us feel, but relaxed and tension-free. The benefits of nature on human health are much more than you may think and feel. With urbanization, and advances in technology, high-stress jobs, both children and adults are starting to lose their connection to nature. Here are a few reasons why we need to restore this connection and make nature a significance in our lives.
Psychological well being
There are many studies that support the idea that nature has a positive impact on our mental health. Through comparison to viewing urban and indoor settings, nature scenes have been shown to improve mental outlook, anxiety levels, self-esteem, and stress recovery. A reduction in the production of the stress hormone cortisol, and an increase in alpha brain wave activity have also been observed with nature exposure. Alpha brain waves are associated with increased levels of the brain chemical serotonin, the same chemical that many antidepressants and anxiety medications aim to improve. Alpha brain wave activity is also enhanced with meditation and is associated with a feeling of calmness, while decreased activity is related to feelings of anxiety. Nature can also improve mental and cognitive function. Viewing a scene of nature or being in a greenspace can reduce mental fatigue and increase a person’s ability to pay attention. Improved immunity
Nature immersion can have a long-lasting impact on resistance. This has been demonstrated by studying the practice of forest bathing a Japanese stress management therapy. Spending 3 days and two nights in a forested area, significantly increased the number of immune cells and decreased stress hormones. Because it is known that stress suppresses the immune system and that nature reduces weight, it makes sense that nature improves immune system function. Phytoncides, a volatile chemical released from trees, may also play a role in boosting the immune system. Phytoncides have antimicrobial properties and may have directly increased the number of immune cells when breathed in during forest bathing.
Longevity
Viewing nature scenes and the presence of green plants not only reduces heart rate and blood pressure but is also associated with a lower risk of overall mortality from stroke, cancer, and various other sicknesses. Additionally, those in the hospital have been shown to have improved recovery time when provided with green plants and a window with a view of trees and nature.
Ways to re-connect with nature and improve your health:
Hang pictures of nature in your office or home.
Use wood when designing the anterior of your house. Research shows that for relaxation the perfect amount of wood on the walls and floors is 30-40% of the surface area.
Use natural essential oils as aromatherapy.
Increase plants, flowers, and greenery in your office and home.
Exercise outdoors. The benefit of nature on your mental and physical health has been shown to be independent of the opportunity for increased physical activity, but when done together these benefits can be amplified.
Set your screen saver to a nature scene.
Get a pet or an aquarium with live fish.
When you have the option, pick an office with a large window and a green view.
Utilize nature as a stress management technique. Make a point to go for a walk or take five deep breaths in the fresh air when your mind is fatigued, or you are stressed out.
Get outside! Go camping, hiking, walking, or try your version of forest bathing.