Why Time in Nature May Be One of the Most Underrated Health Habits
Around this time of year, I usually write about the health benefits of gratitude, which you can read about here.
However, this year, I will shift my focus to another fanciful topic for promoting our health called forest bathing, which involves immersing oneself in nature.
When I first learned of this, I assumed a link between the activity and stress reduction provided by a leisurely stroll in the woods. However, there are actually more profound therapeutic benefits to our physical and mental well-being that come from an immersion in nature.
One study conducted by Nippon Medical School in Tokyo and Stanford Medical School found that three days spent in the woods significantly boosted cancer-fighting cells in our body for up to 30 days compared to 3 days spent in the city.
The study compared two groups that took short walks in the forest or the city on two separate days, with other variables, such as travel, sleep, and nutrition, being matched.
Examining the blood on each day found that the nature tourists had a significant increase in Natural Killer cells and their expression of cancer-fighting proteins compared to no change in the city tourists, showing an increased resistance against various illnesses.
Additionally, the study found lower levels of free adrenaline in the forest bathing group, supporting the ability of nature to lower blood pressure and pulse rate and improve heart rate variability (HRV) along with cardiac-pulmonary parameters.
The researchers believe that organic chemicals produced by plants called phytoncides may partially contribute to these effects.
The Fountain of Youth
Beyond its immune-boosting and stress-reducing effects, forest bathing is also linked to improved cognitive function and mental health.
A study conducted by Stanford University researchers has found that taking a 90-minute walk in a natural environment can lead to a decrease in brain activity associated with depression.
Additionally, research published by the British Medical Association revealed that visiting green spaces 3-4 times a week, rather than once, is associated with 36% lower odds of using blood pressure medication and 26% lower odds of using asthma medication, along with 33% lower odds of using mental health medication.
Therefore, while the "fountain of youth" may evoke images of mythical waters, it appears the evidence best supports time in green spaces, also known as shinrin-yoku in Japan, as a means for keeping us healthier and enjoying life longer.
