Nature and how it affects human beings? Let’s find out!
Nature has the power to either enhance or decrease stress, which has an effect on our bodies, according to research. Our mood, as well as the functioning of our immunological, endocrine, and neurological systems, are all impacted by what we see, hear, and experience at any given time. We may experience anxiety, sadness, or helplessness as a result of the stress of an uncomfortable situation. As a result, our immune system is suppressed, and our blood pressure, heart rate, and muscular tension increase. That is reversed in a pleasant setting.
Heals from Nature
Being in nature, or even just watching nature sights, makes us feel happier and less stressed, angry, and afraid. In addition to improving our mental state, spending time in nature also improves our physical health by lowering stress hormone production, blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension [1]. According to research conducted in companies, schools, and hospitals, even a single plant in a room can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.
Soothing effect from Nature
Nature also helps us deal with pain. We are engrossed in natural images and diverted from our pain and anguish because we are genetically predisposed to find trees, plants, water, and other aspects of nature captivating. A now-classic study of patients who had gallbladder surgery provides a good example of this; half of the patients had a view of a wall, and the other half had a view of trees [2]. A recent study said that patients who had a view of trees spent less time in the hospital, endured pain better, and seemed to nurses to have fewer side effects. Similar outcomes have been observed in more recent research, including hospital rooms with plants and natural scenery [3].
Restoration from Nature
The effect of nature on overall wellbeing is one of the most fascinating topics of recent study. According to a Mind study, 95% of respondents reported feeling happier after spending time outside, going from feeling nervous, upset, and depressed to feeling more at ease and balanced[4]. According to other research, spending time in outdoors or viewing natural sights is linked to psychological wellbeing, vigour, and a happy mood[5]. Additionally, spending time in nature or taking in natural scenery improves our attention span. We can readily concentrate on what we are experiencing in nature since humans find it to be innately fascinating. Additionally, this gives our busy minds a break, reviving us for new challenges.
Connection to Nature
Recent research has shown that spending time in nature fosters connections between people and the wider environment [3]. According to a different University study, tenants in public housing with trees and green space surrounding their building reported feeling more connected to their neighbors, knowing more people, caring more about supporting and assisting one another, and feeling more as they belonged than those in buildings without trees. Studies that measured brain activity could help to explain this feeling of connection [4]. Participants’ empathy and love-related brain regions lit up when they looked at views of nature, whereas their fear and anxiety-related brain regions lit up when they looked at scenes of cities. Nature seems to evoke emotions that bind us to one another and our surroundings [5].
References
[1] Guiney MS, Oberhauser KS. Conservation volunteer’s connection to nature. Ecopsychology (2009) 1(4):187–97. doi:10.1089/eco.2009.0030
[2] Nisbet EK, Zelenski JM. The NR-6: a new brief measure of nature-relatedness. Front Psychol (2013) 4:813. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00813
[3] Davis JL, Green JD, Reed A. Interdependence with the environment: commitment, interconnectedness, and environmental behaviour. J Environ Psychol (2009) 29:173–80. doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2008.11.001
[4] Thompson Coon KJ, Boddy K, Stein K, Whear R, Barton J, Depledge MH. Does participating in physical activity in outdoor natural environments have a greater effect on physical and mental wellbeing than physical activity indoors? A systematic review. Environ Sci Technol (2011) 45(5):1761–2. doi:10.1021/es102947t
[5] Hancock T. Health, human development and the community ecosystem: three ecological models. Health Promot Int (1993) 8:41–6. doi:10.1093/heapro/8.1.41
