Seeing this photo in Time Magazine -- sun rays through giant trees -- distracted me, got me reading an article on forest bathing.
That a forest heals -- that listening to it, smelling it heals seemed a sort of ill-fitting juxtaposition. But ever since the eighties, Japan has been touting SHRINRIN-YOKU -- forest bathing. Time reported that quite a few Japanese educators and scientists are currently looking more deeply into substantiating with facts, what really happens to the body when people spend time with nature.
It listed studies that were done: EXPOSURE TO IT CAN INCREASE AWE, IT PROMOTES CANCER-FIGHTING CELLS, IT HELPS WITH DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, HELPS WITH WITH ADHD SYMPTOMS, EVEN FAKE NATURE HAS BENEFITS.
One expert, testing a small group, proved with numbers that spending time in the forest induces a state of "physiologic relaxation." Another study by biologists from Tokyo's Medical Center found that trees and plants emit aromatic phytoncides, compounds that spur biological changes. Participants in this study stayed overnight in the forest, and exhibited changes in blood that are associated with better immunity, and lower blood pressure. Other studies confirmed and clearly linked nature to symptom relief for heart diseases, depression, anxiety, and attention disorders. All the studies showed that quiet atmosphere, beautiful scenery, good smells, and fresh clean air in a forest contribute to good health.
"Fake Nature" also has benefits -- listening to nature sounds over headphones has been shown to help people recover faster from stress, that's why many spas employ nature sounds in their treatment rooms.
Hmm...why not consider this idea and go for a walk in a forest-like area...?
Hey, I can't rearrange my life in order to take 40 minute walks in New York City, but I've watched this video twice -- it made me a little sleepy, maybe I'll watch it again ...
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4 comments:
I completely agree with all this. But it's very hard to find forests or woods where you can be completely alone away from all noise except the birds. The national parks are hopeless as are many state parks. I'm always in search of places I can go for some peace.
I typically make sure to get into nature at least once a week: either hiking or heading down to the beach. I typically try to get into my garden at least a few minutes a day and one full-on gardening day a week. I find that after I do any of the above I feel more relaxed and ready to face challenges. I've also read that some studies indicate that one reason gardening contributes to our well-being is due to microbes in dirt that are natural immune-boosters and mood-lifters. Nature is good - go figure. :)
Nice article Em and so very true. My wife and I live in a small community in northern Indiana . We sometimes just drive through the local farm land just to satisfy our love of the dirt and those days we spent building tree house...Good for the soul.
This article has taught me a few lessons about the need to worry about my health even at the best of times .
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