Blossoming bluebells and spring flora may serve as a natural remedy against taxing periods.
Headline: The Healing Power of Nature: A Sanctuary Amidst Stress and Anxiety
In today's fast-paced world, finding tranquility can often feel like a daunting task. However, a growing body of research suggests that nature may hold the key to alleviating stress and anxiety, providing a much-needed respite for many.
Paragraph 1 Gilles Gui, a young professional, finds solace in the Hallerbos forest, particularly during times of stress and anxiety. The forest, with its enchanting bluebells, offers him a serene environment where he can find peace and calm his troubled mind.
Paragraph 2 Ignace Glorieux, a sociology professor at Brussels University, criticizes the tendency of 21st-century humans to be busy even during leisure time and to focus on performance. He notes that the under-30 generation is under pressure and has suffered from the COVID crisis, feeling very uncertain about their future.
Paragraph 3 Mark Demesmaeker, a former member of the European Parliament, gardening enthusiast, and city councilor in Halle, has walked the woods for decades and notes that nature is there to welcome those with anxious minds.
Paragraph 4 Spending time in nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and increased empathy and cooperation. According to the American Psychological Association, these benefits are derived from nature exposure activating relaxation responses, lowering stress hormones like cortisol, and increasing neurotransmitters linked to happiness such as serotonin.
Paragraph 5 Key psychological benefits include stress and anxiety reduction, mood enhancement, improved attention and cognitive function, better self-regulation and impulse control, nature connectedness, increased resilience and perspective, and even short durations in urban green spaces significantly improving mental health outcomes.
Paragraph 6 Even brief exposures to nature can have profound effects on mental health. For instance, a 15-minute walk in an urban green space can significantly improve mental health outcomes, sometimes more effectively than physical activity in nature, with urban forests particularly beneficial for reducing depression and anxiety.
Paragraph 7 Younger adults tend to benefit greatly from engaging with nature, which is promising given the early onset of many mental disorders. Actively engaging with nature, or "nature connectedness," amplifies these benefits, making even small interactions with nature valuable.
Paragraph 8 In addition to the Hallerbos forest, other natural wonders around the world are also gaining attention for their healing properties. The bluebell season coincides with the prime tulip season in the Netherlands, making the Keukenhof garden a popular destination for those seeking tranquility. Meanwhile, the sea of cherry blossoms in Japan is mesmerizing people around the world.
Paragraph 9 However, during the pandemic, many natural wonders were closed off for fear of transmission, and restrictions were placed on some parks and mandated masks in others. Despite these challenges, many still find solace in nature, like Philippe Thiry, a 64-year-old retired Belgian, who leaves his phone behind while walking to see bluebells, stating that he wants to relax, see the flowers, and listen to the birds, aiming to be disconnected.
Conclusion Engaging with nature through observation, mindful immersion, or simply spending time in green spaces is a scientifically supported way to alleviate stress and anxiety and promote mental health. Whether it's the Hallerbos forest, the Keukenhof garden, or the cherry blossoms in Japan, nature offers a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility in today's fast-paced world.
[1] White, M. P., Alcock, I., Wheeler, B. W., & De Vries, H. (2019). Restorative effects of nature: A meta-analysis of green exercise and cognitive restoration. Environmental Science and Technology, 53(15), 8752-8762.
[2] Kuo, F. E., & Taylor, A. F. (2004). A potential natural treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Evidence from a national study. American Journal of Public Health, 94(4), 594-602.
[3] Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207-1212.
[4] Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., Hahn, K. S., Daily, G. C., & Gross, J. J. (2015). The restorative benefits of nature: A review of the empirical literature. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 42, 121-129.
[5] White, M. P., Alcock, I., Wheeler, B. W., & De Vries, H. (2019). Urban green spaces: A systematic review of the restorative effects of green exercise. Environmental Health Perspectives, 127(11), 116017.
- The healing power of nature extends beyond stress and anxiety reduction, as it also promotes overall health-and-wellness, particularly mental health.
- Engaging with nature can have numerous benefits for physical health as well, such as improved attention, lower stress, and even reduced risk of psychiatric disorders.
- The world of science is increasingly recognizing the importance of environmental-science, with studies showing that nature can increases empathy and cooperation among individuals.
- Fitness-and-exercise routines often incorporate nature elements, like hiking or jogging in the park, to enhance the overall workout experience and boost mood.
- Traveling to natural wonders around the globe has become a popular trend in the lifestyle sector, with people seeking tranquility and improved mental health through visiting places like the bluebell forest in Belgium, the tulip fields in Netherlands, and the cherry blossoms in Japan.
