SCIENCE/HEALTH/PHOTOGRAPHY

The Healing Power of Nature

A multitude of benefits for health and well-being

“Nature is not only nice to have, but it’s a have-to-have for physical health and cognitive functioning.” — Richard Louv, a journalist in San Diego whose book, Last Child in the Woods in 2005, is largely credited with triggering this movement and who coined the term Nature Deficit Disorder.

Have you ever noticed how being in nature makes you feel better?

Well, it turns out there are scientific studies that explain why.

Researchers have found that spending time in nature has many benefits for our health and happiness. They discovered that even a few hours each week in nature can make a big difference.

In this essay, I will explore three studies that show how nature can improve our well-being. So, if you’ve ever felt that sense of peace and joy when surrounded by trees, mountains, or the ocean, get ready to learn why nature is so good for us.

Study 1: Time in Nature and Health

✅ A study from 2019 looked at how spending time in nature affects people’s health and well-being.

✅ The researchers found that if someone spends 120 minutes or more per week in nature, they tend to feel healthier and happier compared to those who don’t spend any time in nature.

✅ The benefits were strongest when people spent between 200 to 300 minutes per week in nature.

✅ However, spending less than 120 minutes didn’t show much of a difference.

✅ It’s important to note that everyone’s experience may be different, and more research is needed to understand why nature has these effects on us.

Study 2: Nature Walks vs. Nature Videos during Stressful Periods

✅ A 2020 study from the University of Iceland compared three different situations: walking in nature, watching a video of nature, and walking on a treadmill in a gym.

✅ Participants experienced each condition twice, once during a period with no stress (no exams) and once during a stressful exam period.

✅ The time spent in each condition was the same, for example, a 40-minute walk or watching a 40-minute video.

✅ The researchers measured cortisol levels (a hormone related to stress) and assessed positive and negative emotions before and after each activity.

✅ The findings showed that during the stressful exam period, the group that went for a walk in nature had significantly lower cortisol levels compared to those who watched nature videos.

✅ Additionally, the nature walking group reported higher levels of positive emotions compared to both the nature video group and the treadmill walking group.

Study 3: Walking in Nature vs. Cities: Effects on Memory and Happiness

✅ A study carried out in 2012 at the University of Michigan showed that walking in nature had better effects on memory and made people feel happier compared to walking in cities.

Here is an excerpt from Yale Environment 360:

“These studies have shown that time in nature — as long as people feel safe — is an antidote for stress: It can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Attention Deficit Disorder and aggression lessen in natural environments, which also help speed the rate of healing.”

Takeaway

✅ Spending time in nature is really good for us. It can make us feel happier and healthier. Even just two hours a week in nature can have a positive impact on our well-being.

✅ When we’re stressed, going for a walk in nature is better for reducing stress than watching videos or walking on a treadmill.

✅ Walking in nature also helps us remember things better and makes us feel happier compared to walking in cities.

✅ These studies show that nature is important for our health and we should make an effort to spend more time in natural environments.

Closing Thoughts

I personally find that spending time in nature is quite therapeutic for me. I feel very rejuvenated and refreshed after my daily nature walks. I simply cannot imagine going without them on a daily basis.

As Hippocrates stated :

“Nature itself is the best physician.”

What are your thoughts on nature walks? Please share in the comments.

More of my photo essays: