Benefits of nature exposure & Nature Therapy

There is a growing body of research not only on how nature affects us but also on what happens to us during a guided Nature Therapy experience. Here I will highlight some of the most notable benefits of spending conscious time in nature.

Blood pressure is regulated & heart rate decreases

These markers are perhaps easiest to measure, therefore, numerous studies report that blood pressure is regulated and heart rate decreases when we spend time in nature. This is especially evident in Nature Therapy experiences as they do not require strenuous activity and instead focus on slowing down + sensory focus.

Improved cognitive clarity

The open and natural scenery favours a wellness experience with the aim of stimulating the mind at a creative, intuitive, and decision-making level and reducing the feeling of fatigue. During the guided experience a participant typically gains a different level of noticing and the focus starts to grow. Additionally, studies suggest that Nature Therapy can improve memory and that kids who spend time in green spaces exhibit better performance on cognitive function.

Parasympathetic nervous system activation

There are two states of our autonomic nervous system. Nowadays the modern human spends most of their time in the sympathetic nervous system state - also called 'fight or flight'. This is due to physical and emotional tension, the constant inflow of information and countless stressors in our surroundings. However, when we are relaxed and at ease, our parasympathetic system - sometimes called the 'rest and digest' branch - kicks in. Many modern people complain of chronic exhaustion, which researchers believe may be in part due to the fact that people are not absorbing nutrients and energy from the food they eat because of the ineffective parasympathetic response. It is also said that is the reason why food tastes better outdoors. :)

The parasympathetic nervous system when activated not only boosts our metabolism but also we become more capable of controlling our emotions and generally grow more empathetic and experience a sense of hope. Moreover, it promotes the health of the kidneys, lungs, heart, intestines, and reproductive organs.

Reduced incidence or severity of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders

Not only there are studies that demonstrate improved mental state after Nature Therapy experiences, but also traditional psychotherapy has been proven to work better in natural environments. Nature is also a great remedy in the spiritual recovery process, for post-traumatic stress syndrome, and ADHD.

Decreased stress levels

Studies have registered decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and stress hormones (cortisol) from participants who spent time in nature as opposed to those who spent time in an urban area (control group). Nature exposure appears to help people relax, unwind and promote a sense of wellbeing.

Reduced inflammation

Some studies suggest that Nature Therapy is related to a decrease in blood glucose (in diabetes patients). This can potentially prevent inflammatory processes, also reducing cardiac workload and further stress on the heart. Natural Killer cells also promote the body's natural defences - read below.

'Natural Killer' or NK cells are generated

There is a special type of white blood cells called Natural Killer (NK) cells. NK cells are like the body’s first responders to inflammation. They can register cancerous and infected cells before other white blood cells have been activated. When people spend time in a natural setting where phytoncides are present, their bodies produce more NK cells (read more in the post about phytoncides and negatively charged ions).

Research in Japan, measuring NK cell activity, noted that the increased NK cell activity in participants lasted for more than 7 days after a nature trip. This suggests that Nature Therapy can also benefit us biologically for a longer period, not only while practising.

Improved recovery

Nature provides a holistic approach to recovery. The combination of stress reduction, mood enhancement, improved cognitive function, and immune system support creates a foundation for improved well-being, which can significantly aid the recovery process. Moreover, nature exposure specifically improves mental recovery from disease or addictions, according to studies.

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