Here’s something I crave to do as much as I am able: taking a walk in the woods. It’s such a mundane thing to do, but I miss it when I’m unable to head out.
Today I was fortunate. The natural beauty of the hillside crowded with towering oaks, laden in icy green
moss, and a gentle breeze caressing my skin, calmed my jagged nerves as though I was being tenderly held in its maternal embrace.
I felt my
shoulders drop as my body relaxed and my heart pumped oxygen rich blood through
every fiber of my being. The natural world welcomed me and granted me solace
and a feeling of protection from harm.
Outside of
my imagination, there is scientific evidence that a walk in the woods can
indeed change our physical, as well as our mental state.
Forest Bathing: A Modern Brand for a Long-Held Practice
Studies
have proven that time spent in a quiet, natural surrounding can produce an
overall feeling of well-being. Regular visits to forests and woodlands can have
a lasting effect on how we feel, as well as our physical condition.
Results of multiple studies monitoring health indicators such as hormonal levels, blood pressure and heart function prove the practice is indeed beneficial.
Shifting Our Focus Changes Our Outlook
Scientists
observed MRI images as patients viewed peaceful nature scenes and found an
interesting reaction. They noted increased blood flow to the anterior cingulate
and insula, the parts of the brain associated with empathy and altruism.
I know that
when I am among the trees, I find myself awed by the power of nature, its
resilience, and fortitude to prevail and live on, despite the harsh elements.
I take
note of how the trees bend to the wind so they don’t break, how a flower finds
a crack in the rock to reach for the sun, and I try to apply those principles
to my own life during difficult times. We can learn so much by observing the
natural world up close and benefit simply by being in its presence.
Moreover, if it’s too cold/hot/rainy/stormy to head out, or we are simply unable, watching images or videos of nature can lift our mood too.
There are
plenty of options on YouTube – from single images with calming music, to drones
filming natural sights around the world. Find one that works for you and take
some time to immerse yourself in the views.
The Effect of Silence
Our days
are often lived at an excruciating volume – traffic
noise, loud music or television, ambient noise of all kinds go relatively
unnoticed. But the constant barrage takes a toll. Whether we’re actively
listening or not, noise affects our mood.
Have you
ever noticed you are walking to the beat of the music in the grocery store? Our
brain processes all stimuli, and sound is a powerful one.
When we escape the din for the quiet of a walk in nature, those overstimulated sensors power down temporarily, focusing instead on the peaceful sounds of the breeze through the trees and the birds calling for their mates.
Our brainwaves settle into a calm pattern and our entire body reacts to the change. Thankfully, we have the alternative of listening to nature sounds even when we can’t go to the park, and we can experience the benefits of slower heart rate and calmness from home.
The Impact of Physical Exertion on the Body
Our bodies
are engineered to move. Physical exercise was once achieved by searching for
food, defending our tribe from predators and eking out an existence in an
inhospitable environment.
As we
settled and tamed our surroundings, we stopped using our bodies as they were
intended, became sedentary, and our health suffered.
In an effort to fend off the impact of this lifestyle, medical professionals encourage us to find ways to include movement into our daily lives.
So, whenever you can, take that walk in the woods, full of appreciation for the benefits it offers to your mind and body!
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What do you crave to do right now? What do you do as a substitute to your favorite outside activity? Are there any tools you have found helpful to lift up your mood? Please share them with our community!
