Look to trees to find mental health benefits

As we celebrate spring, we also highlight Mental Health Awareness Month, an important period dedicated to breaking down the stigma around mental health and promoting well-being.

During this period, we recognize that life has its ups and downs, recognize the prevalence of mental health conditions, and strive to create spaces to provide support to those who need it.

As a human being, I have experienced emotional ups and downs. As a lifelong gardener and outdoor enthusiast, I have experienced the healing and restorative power of nature. My experience is not an isolated incident or coincidence, but evidence that the body of research pointing to the healing effects of nature is moving in the right direction.

You may have experienced the healing power of nature.

No peer-reviewed research has been published showing that exposure to nature may be associated with an improved sense of well-being, increased sense of well-being, positive social interactions, and reduced psychological distress in relationships. Masu. The body of research available on nature contact and health is growing, evolving, and complex.

Not all interactions with nature are equal, and this is not a new concept.

Forest bathing is more than just walking in the forest. Forest bathing was originally practiced in Japan and is an immersive experience. A walk in the woods or a hike in nature is an activity that has a destination, a physical starting point and ending point. Forest bathing is spending time in the forest with the purpose of immersing yourself in the forest ecosystem. The destination is to achieve a physical, emotional and spiritual connection with the forest.

Although recognized as having roots in ancient practices, forest bathing was officially established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 1982 with the aim of demonstrating the value of forests beyond logging.

The physical and mental health benefits of nature have a significant impact on a person’s physical and mental health and add emotional and economic value to life.

The outcomes of forest therapy have been shown to include lower levels of stress and anxiety, improved immune function, and reduced symptoms of depression.

As with any exercise, regular, long-term experience provides more benefits than occasional practice. This is not to say that less and shorter interactions with nature are not beneficial or recommended, but there is evidence that even just five minutes in nature can have health benefits.

Remember that forest bathing is an experience, not a destination.

Here are some tips for practicing forest bathing the next time you head out into the woods.

• Leave your devices behind you (or at least turn them off) so they don’t tempt or distract you.
• Stand or sit still, using all your senses. Observe not only what you see, but also what you hear, smell, and feel. Try not to think about your calendar, to-do list, or inbox. Please exist.
• Move slowly so that you can observe every detail of nature. Notice the different colors, different textures, objects of different scales, and as much detail as possible.
• Please stay as long as possible. A complete forest bathing experience is considered to take two hours, but studies have shown that the effects can be experienced in as little as five minutes.