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Protecting nature is important not only to our bodies but also to our souls

2021. November 05.

It is common knowledge that time spent in nature is good for the soul. However, according to research from the University of York, this commonplace exists because it is true.

 

People know that walking in the woods is good and experience its benefits. Nowadays, forest bathing has become a movement in many countries. In doing so, we not only perceive colours, sounds, scents, but we can also enjoy the blessing effect of trees, for example, that is actually indirectly due to insects. This is because trees protect against pests by producing various essential oils, which increase the number of our white blood cells and can reduce the levels of stress hormones, as well as improve our ability to concentrate. The effect of forest bathing is very similar to drinking tea.

Well, this is something we all need. One aspect of the aftermath of the pandemic was that more people than usual experienced mental health difficulties due to lockdown and loneliness. Depression and despair caused by loneliness can disappear with the lifting of restrictions, but bad memories, the high number of deaths, and climate anxiety, that many suffered from even before the pandemic and continue to suffer from, can put a strain on the body.

What can help? For example, a pleasant walk in nature, or community activity to protect the environment. According to the researchers of the University of York, we need to spend an average of between 20 and 90 minutes per day in nature for psychological balance and to clear our overwhelmed minds from busy everyday life. And this routine should be kept for about two to three months for the perfect effect. This means improved mood and less anxiety - so full zen is at your fingertips.

We've known for some time that being in nature is good for health and wellbeing, but our study reinforces the growing evidence that doing things in nature is associated with large gains in mental health.”, said Dr Peter Coventry, lead author of the study. "While doing these activities on your own is effective, among the studies we reviewed it seems that doing them in groups led to greater gains in mental health.”

Participation in conservation activities, researchers say, could be even more effective for mental health than just a forest walk because it supports people as they engage with local ecosystems. The researchers came to these conclusions by analysing over 14,000 notes on nature-based interventions and 50 studies.

As for the improvement of physical health, the results show that this is also enhanced by a close relationship with nature, but not to the same extent as one would think, given its role in maintaining and improving mental health. So, it doesn't hurt to exercise or to jog in beautiful forests every now and then.

 

Cover: Getty Images