June is a big month for Mother Nature. According to the National Wildlife Federation, June is Great Outdoors Month and then there is World Environment Day on June 5th and World Ocean’s Day on June 8. That’s a lot of celebrating and we feel it’s much deserved.
Writing about the healing benefits of nature is one of our favorite subjects. One of the reasons why we like this topic so much is because there is some great research highlighting the mental, physical, and emotional benefits we get from being in nature. In fact, in the scientific literature, it’s called “forest bathing.”
The term forest bathing was first introduced in 1982 by the Japanese Forestry Agency. Since that time, its popularity can be appreciated worldwide including here in the United States. Forest bathing is a therapeutic technique that involves walking in a forest atmosphere while engaging the senses. And the scientific research clearly shows that this immersion in nature has many health benefits including:
Reduced stress and enhanced relaxation
Less depression, anxiety, and better mood in general
Improved cardiovascular health, specifically lower blood pressure
Enhanced immunity with increased natural killer cell activity
Now that’s powerful medicine. Great job Mother Nature!
And when you can combine physical activity with the great outdoors, you get even more benefits. In the scientific literature, that’s called “green exercise,” which can further enhance the physical and mental health benefits of exercise.
Can’t get to a forest? Walking to a park, driving to a lake, or even just sitting on your outdoor porch or patio will help you get the health benefits from Mother Nature.
This month—and every month of the year for that matter—it’s time to celebrate nature by getting outside as much as you can. By the way, the National Wildlife Federation has a great website with lots of nature resources and information. Check it out by clicking here.
References
Farrow MR, Washburn, K. A review of field experiments on the effect of forest bathing on anxiety and heart rate variability. Global Advances in Health and Medicine. 2019;8:1-7.
Gladwell VF, Brown DK, Wood C, Sandercock GR, Barton JL. The great outdoors: how a green exercise environment can benefit all. Extrem Physiol Med. 2013;2(1):3.
Li Q. Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environ Health Prev Med. 2010;15(1):9‐17.