How Nature Strengthens You
Originally posted Oct 11 2022
I’ve been hiking a lot this fall. It’s not as busy in our little mountain town, and Nature is putting on one hell of a show with her leaves. My calves are aching from the effort, but it was well worth it. All the photos in this piece are from recent adventures.
On one of my latest walks, I got to thinking about how damned good I always feel after a walk in the woods. Being out in the wild strengthens more than my legs. It also strengthens my soul.
The Japanese have a name for “forest bathing” called Shinrinyoku. Here’s something spectacular. It was found that the immune system, specifically natural killer cell activity, was significantly increased while forest bathing. The NK (natural killer) cells that are activated can kill tumor cells by releasing anti-cancer proteins. And, even more exciting, the improved immunity lasted for more than seven days after the walk.
Mood enhancer
This is one of the main reasons I strap on my boots. If you’ve read my other stories you’ll know (from when the cat went on an unsupervised lengthy walkabout) that I’m prone to anxiety. I’ve also been known to spend a day or two with my head under the covers because of deep blues. My soul knew what she was doing when she abruptly moved me from the bustling city of London to the remote mountains of Colorado.
Studies show that spending time in the trees lowers stress-related hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Forest walks also decrease anxiety, depression, anger, confusion and fatigue. If you feel out of sorts, find some trees.
And guess what else? Just looking at pictures of trees helps with mood.
Helps surgical recovery
If you’re ever in hospital, see if you can get a room with a view into Nature such as a garden or a park. Research found that patients with a “green view” took fewer painkillers, had fewer complications, and got out earlier.
Short, sweet, and effective
You don’t have to go out walking for hours. Even fifteen minutes in Nature relaxes your heart rate and blood pressure. Forest bathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the one in charge of relaxation. So even while you’re physically exerting yourself, your soul gets to take a deep, long breath.
Aromatherapy of the forest
We all know that certain trees give off a characteristic smell. These are called phytoncides. They are volatile organic compounds with natural antimicrobial and insecticidal qualities that protect trees from germs and parasites. Well, you guessed it, they help us too. Along with the mood-boosting, nervous system calming, and immune enhancing benefits, these smells can also reduce blood glucose levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress, all while improving sleep.
If you can’t get to a forest anytime soon, you can use essential oils such as firs, cedarwood, and pine. Funny enough, I just bought a locally made room diffuser scent of wild rose and fir. I smelled all of their offerings and the one that had fir essence made me go Ahhhh.
Go on, get outside
The American Psychological Association says that most Americans spend more than ten hours a day looking at a screen. Eek. That’s not good for us either physically or mentally.
If you have access to mountains, hills, forests, or a park, strap on your shoes, grab a water bottle and get out there. Consider planting a tree or three in your backyard. Live on an island? Don’t fret. Researchers are looking into the benefits of ‘blue spaces’ such as lake and ocean views, and the results are promising for our health.
In my opinion, it’s the getting outside in Nature that makes all the difference, even if you live in a city. Make time in your day to reconnect with the natural beauty around you. At the very least, buy yourself a potted plant and sit with it a few times a day.
I’ll bet my bottom dollar you’ll be happier for it.
Sources:
Li Q. Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environ Health Prev Med. 2010 Jan;15(1):9-17. doi: 10.1007/s12199-008-0068-3. PMID: 19568839; PMCID: PMC2793341.