Good for Body, Mind & Spirit
There is a reason it’s common advice to “take a walk” when one is upset. We intuitively know that being outdoors and moving our bodies is good for us. Learn more about the known benefits of nature connection, also known as forest bathing, forest therapy or shinrin yoku.
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Body
Improved immune function
Lower blood pressure and cortisol
Activates parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous system -
Mind
Boosts mood and social bonds
Increased sense of well-being
Improved concentration, attention and creativity -
Spirit
Inspires wonder and awe
Sense of being part of something bigger than one’s self
Feelings of gratitude and being alive
Further Reading
The Fourth Pillar of Health: Nature Time, yes! magazine
‘Forest Bathing’ Is Great for Your Health. Here’s How to Do It, TIME
The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku, Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine
An ‘Awe Walk’ Might Do Wonders for Your Well-Being, The New York Times
Forest bathing: What it is and why you should try it, Kaiser Permanente
What Is Forest Bathing and How Does it Benefit Mental and Physical Health?, American Psychiatric Association
The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier and More Creative, Florence Williams