Walking in the
forests, amongst nature, has a positive effect on the mind – it can calm and
invigorate at the same time. It’s also great for contemplation. Psychologists
have coined terms for walking into the woods, such as ‘forest bathing’ or
biophilia or mood enhancer (The Guardian,
October 25, 2015).
American biologist EO
Wilson introduced the term, biophilia, in the mid-1980s, which is defined as
humans having a deep affiliation with nature that is instinctive and rooted in
our biology. In other words, we are naturally drawn to nature.
Psychologist Roger
Ulrich found that patients recovering from surgery took less medicine for pain
relief when their windows had a view of nature instead of a brick wall. He
invented the term, environmental pyschology. This study has been replicated in
many hospitals in many countries. While the research results are not yet
conclusive, it does seem as though humans react positively to woods and forests
both psychologically and physiologically. Other research has shown that
spending time in nature improves cognition, reduces anxiety and depression, and
enhances human empathy.
The term, forest
bathing, originated from the Japanese word shinrin-yoku
– meaning to go for a stroll in the ancient forest. There is also a study on
how the magic of trees works on humans at a molecular level in our cells and
neurons. Leisurely forest walks reduce heart rate and blood pressure, decrease
sympathetic nerve activity, and lower levels of the stress hormone called
cortisol.
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