Feeling Overwhelmed? Dragging without inspiration? add some Green/blue Time!
Research increasingly supports the idea that time in nature has deep, physiological effects that are beneficial. These translate into mental health improvements as well. At our core, we are adapted to our environment and it to us. In the Japanese practice of “forest bathing,” one spends time in a forest, not exercising, but rather actively experiencing trees with all of your senses. Dr. Qing Lee, the world’s foremost expert in forest medicine, shows through scientific research, how
Forest bathing can:
- reduce your stress levels and blood pressure
- strengthen your immune and cardiovascular systems,
- boost your energy, mood, creativity, and concentration, and even
- help you lose weight and live longer.
You can read more about shinrin-yoku (forest bath) in Dr. Lee’s book here.
What are fractals?
When referring to what about nature so connects us to our core, scientists often talk about fractals. Fractals are essentially self-repeating patterns of different scales. Examples would be leaves, branches, bark, and even the trees themselves. These patterns are calming to the human nervous system. And it is no wonder considering that the Earth is our natural home. Our senses have been connecting with our environment on a deep and profound level since humans began.
A University of Oregon study showed that it only takes the human brain 50 milliseconds to detect fractals. The team also measured a positive mental response in their subjects, showing up to a 60 percent reduction in stress and mental fatigue. Even observing trees from a hospital window improves healing!
“In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Essayist, Lecturer, Philosopher
What effect do trees have on the air we breathe?
Of course, in addition to the visuals, trees impact the very air we breathe. Through a process called photosynthesis, it has been estimated that one large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for up to four people. More details here.
Trees also store carbon dioxide in their fibers helping to clean the air and reduce the negative effects that this CO2 could have had on our environment. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, in one year a mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen in exchange.
There is even evidence that trees emit airborne chemicals, called phytoncides, used to protect themselves from insects. As we breathe in these phytoncides, our bodies respond by increasing the number and activity of a particular kind of white blood cell, called natural killer (NK) cells. Read more about phytoncides here.
“I never really understood the word ‘loneliness’. As far as I was concerned, I was in an orgy with the sky and the ocean, and with nature.“
Bjork
Icelandic singer, songwriter, composer.
What about blue spaces?
Although a lot of research has been done on “green” spaces, less research has been done on “blue” (sky and water) spaces. But the research that has been done seems to indicate the impact of blue spaces is similar, if not a little more restorative.
I am neurodivergent, how might this apply to me?
For children with ADHD, enjoying nature can offer additional benefits. A growing body of research indicates that children and adults who spend time in nature increase their ability to pay attention while lowering their levels of stress and anxiety. Even brief exposures to nature can have an effect on severity of symptoms.
So how much time each week in nature is ideal?
In a study of 20,000 people, researchers found that people who spent two hours per week in green spaces – from local parks to other natural environments – where significantly more likely to report good health and psychological well-being than those who did not. The visits could be once or spread over several. But what was clear was that two hours per week was a minimum. There were no benefits for those that did not meet that threshold.
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