Curious ElfDid you know that nature provides relief from stress, depression, soothes mental illness, and increases social interaction? How does strolling through a jungle make you feel? Reflective? Blissful? Peaceful? We are sure it makes you think of all of the three. You will be amazed at the health benefits that immersing in a green space offers. Living in places with trees and green all around lowers the risk of various health conditions that include cardiovascular disease and blood pressure.
According to a research, prisons with expansive green spaces have lesser incidences of self-harm and violence. An unpleasant environment makes you feel helpless, sad, and anxious. But, the moment you connect with nature, your mood changes; the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems work better. Regardless of our age and culture, a pleasing environment with trees and gardens also reverses our suppressed immune system. Here is how a small patch of green can soothe our frayed nerves.
1. Calms over-stimulated minds
Psychological restoration is the need of the hour. Each of us is looking for it. But with massive urbanization, don’t you think our green spaces are vanishing? Prisoners in some of the most crammed jails also have a higher incidence of self-harm and violence. Violence between the prisoners, prisoner assaults, and violence on prison staff is more in prisons, lacking green space. According to some findings, the prisoner-on-prisoner violence and assaults on staff have diminished after introducing green spaces. A little patch of nature helps to minimize staff absence and manage costs as well.
2. Stress and depression reduction
A quick outing to the hills or a jaunt to the jungles can be so rejuvenating. If you have been battling a lot of stress, then a quick hike is what you need. No, it does not have to be long or exhausting but just a short trip. Planning such an outing invariably works in re-setting your stress response, calming your stress’s source, and handling the sympathetic nervous system. Do you want to achieve healthier levels of cortisol? Go and indulge in some forest bathing.
3. Improves the function of your immune system
Have you ever heard of the term ‘forest bathing? No? Well, this stellar Japanese therapy involves spending time amidst nature. You can either spend time in the forests or dense, deep jungles, all to boost your immune function. The NK cells or the natural killer cells are vital for the intrinsic immune system’s proper functioning. Did you know that a single trip to any forest park can enhance your NK cell activity and number? Did you also know that such a trip can up-regulate the anti-cancer proteins? The answer is yes! Therefore, indulge in forest bathing as much as you can.
4. Enhances mental health
If you pay too much heed to your physical health, then it’s time you thought about your mental health. That is because mental health has a larger role to play in your physical health. Thus, do you know how you can keep your stress, depression, and anxiety at bay? Of course, by regularly exposing yourself to green spaces! Many studies have pointed out that moving to greener neighborhoods greatly improved mental health.
5. Improves the psychological state
We all know that exercises are not just good for our bodies but also for our minds. However, did you know that working out outdoors has its share of psychological benefits? Who likes to sweat it out in cramped spaces? Thus, go out and smell the fresh breeze that brushes your face. Working amidst trees and shrubs results in positive engagement, increases energy, and revitalizes you beyond measure. Are you always tensed, confused, angered, and with depression? Put on your running shoes and just make the most of a lush garden nearby.
6. The grass is always greener where you water it
Green spaces have mellowed the most criminal minds. This space vigorously protects against stress-related issues, neurotic behavior, depression, and mood disorders and helps you understand your emotions. If you seek psychological restoration, then head to green space as soon as possible. Remember that the effect of the green area is dependent on the dose. Confused about what we meant? Well, all we meant was the longer you expose yourself to green space, you would reap more significant mental health advantages.
