“We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” – Chief Seattle
Introduction | Immune System | Physical Activity | Anxiety and Depression | Stress | Childhood Development | Sleep | Final Thoughts | Takeaway Points | References | Disclaimer
Introduction
The human-nature relationship is hardwired into our DNA. Because humans are a part of the global ecosystem, our interaction with the environment is critical to our health. Spending time in a park, forest, beach, or riverbank every day has been shown to boost the human immune system, motivate physical activity, relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduce stress levels, encourage proper childhood development, and improve sleep quality.
The positive impact of nature on the immune system
Direct contact with the natural world can greatly influence the functioning of our immune system. According to studies, even single-day exposure to forest flora stimulates our immunity by activating natural killer cells, regulating the inflammatory response, and increasing our resistance to pathogens.
Tsao et al.[1] conducted research on the effects of forest bathing on the human immune system. The researchers counted and compared the number of NK cells [natural killer cells] in two groups of participants. One study group lived in an urban setting, while the other lived in a forest setting. The study's findings revealed that people in the second group had a higher number of NK cells in their blood. The researchers also looked into the effect of forest bathing on NK cell activation. They planned a trip to the forest for the study participants, who all lived in large cities. They took NK cell counts before and after the trip. Following the forest trip, there was an increase in NK cell activation [p = 0.002]. Tsao and colleagues came to the conclusion that forest bathing stimulates the immune system.
Kim et al.[2] conducted a scientific review on the effect of terpenes and terpenoids [biogenic volatile organic compounds, also known as forest areosols] on immune function in inflammatory diseases in humans. Terpenes were found to stimulate the immune system by increasing phagocytic activity, bolstering innate immune responses, dampening the expression of some pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing immunoglobulin levels.
Green space availability promotes physical activity
A crucial factor in promoting human health and wellbeing is physical activity. Our bodies and minds benefit from regular exercise by staying in good condition. It can be challenging to jog, ride a bike, or stroll through a park or forest, particularly if you live in an urban area. However, a number of studies have examined the connection between accessibility to green space and people's drive to engage in outdoor physical activity.
An observational study was carried out by Mytton et al.[3] to determine whether the presence of green spaces in England encouraged people to engage in physical activity. Over the course of three years, 54,296 people's data was gathered. Access to green spaces and physical activity are strongly correlated, according to the survey results. Greater amounts of physical activity that met government recommendations were reported by residents of England's urban areas than by those who, by virtue of their residence, had less opportunity to interact with nature.
The effect of green urban areas on the promotion of physical activity among local communities was also the subject of a study by Wang et al.[4] They examined a number of variables, including the availability of green spaces, the length of physical activity, and the frequency of exercise. The findings showed a significant relationship between the frequency of physical activity and the presence of a green environment. If they lived close to a green open space, local residents—especially women and the elderly—engaged in various outdoor activities more eagerly.
Exposure to nature improves anxiety and depression symptoms
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health issues that people in big cities face. Researchers investigated the effects of the natural environment on our mental well-being in search of strategies that would help alleviate and diminish some or even all of their symptoms.
A study by Maud et al.[5] looked at the impact of nature interaction on the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Participants in the study were asked to complete a questionnaire both before and after the intervention. According to the findings of the study, people who have generalized anxiety disorder [GAD] and/or depression have less severe symptoms. They were less frustrated, more relaxed, and less stressed. The authors of the study concluded that the participants' mental health improved and that exposure to wetland environments could be a therapeutic aid for anxiety and depression.
Bray et al.[6] conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the impact of green spaces in urban areas on the mental well-being of children and young adults. The evidence analysis revealed a link between exposure to urban green spaces, such as parks, and a lower risk of developing depression when compared to urban street settings. Furthermore, Bray and colleagues discovered evidence of improved relaxation and mood induced by interaction with natural surroundings.
Being in nature reduces stress levels
For many of us, stress has become an everyday occurrence. People accept stress as a natural part of life to a certain extent. Many of us are unaware that simple things like going outside in nature can help us feel more relaxed and relieve stress. According to scientific research, a short stroll in the park can diminish our tension.
Huang et al.[7] investigated the effect of urban green spaces on stress recovery. They enlisted the help of 33 volunteers, who were subjected to a battery of physiological and psychological tests that allowed the authors to assess participants' reactions to 13 different natural environmental sites. The test results show that exposure to high plant richness [a wide variety of species], the presence of water, and topographic variation in the environment all contribute to stress reduction in study participants. The authors came to the conclusion that interaction with green spaces improves stress recovery.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Noszczyk et al.[8] investigated the effect of the urban natural environment on stress levels in people. The authors conducted an online survey and received over 1,250 responses from residents of a major Polish city. They discovered evidence pointing to the importance of green space interaction during such a trying time, as well as its stress-relieving effects. During the crisis, urban parks, green promenades, and riverbanks became recognized as critical factors in improving human mental and physical well-being.
Finally, Antonelli, Barbieri, and Donelli[9] conducted a literature review on the effects of forest bathing on cortisol levels. They discovered strong evidence in multiple studies pointing to lower cortisol levels in intervention group participants after a forest bathing experience. They came to the conclusion that interacting with the natural environment of the forest is effective in relieving stress symptoms.
The positive impact of nature on childhood development
Frequent exposure to the natural environment can greatly benefit childhood and adolescent development. Outdoor play is beneficial to children and teenagers. Green-area interaction has been shown to influence cognition, behavior, and a variety of mental health aspects.
Vanaken and Danckaerts[10] conducted a scientific review of the data that linked mental health, emotional well-being, and behavioral difficulties with greenery exposure in children and adolescents growing up in urban areas. They reviewed 21 articles that looked at these relationships. The authors discovered a strong link between green space exposure and a variety of mental and emotional issues in children. Nature interaction had a significant impact on hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder, attention and working memory development, and emotional well-being. Furthermore, they discovered some evidence that the availability of the natural environment can affect adolescent mental health [such as depressive disorders] and emotional well-being [aggressive behavior].
Another review, conducted by McCormick[11], looked into the impact of green space exposure on children's mental health. The author analyzed 12 articles on this subject. She discovered evidence that interaction with nature aids in the proper development of attention, memory, and competence. Furthermore, the author demonstrated that children who spent time playing outside in green space had improved behavior [even in children with ADHD], social connections, self-discipline, and reduced stress levels.
Being outdoors can help induce restful sleep
A good night's sleep is critical for our cognitive, mental, and physical functioning during the day. A healthy, restorative night's sleep is thought to last at least 7-8 hours. Many adults, however, struggle to get this amount of rest at night, which can be harmful to their health if the condition is chronic[14]. According to science, spending enough time in green surroundings every day can improve the quality and duration of our sleep.
Shin et al.[12] conducted a review of the literature to find evidence supporting the link between greenery exposure and sleep. The authors chose 13 studies that looked at this topic. They discovered supporting findings that revealed a positive correlation between adult interaction with nature [regardless of activity type] and both qualitatively and quantitatively better sleep outcomes.
Astell-Burt, Feng, and Kolt[13] conducted research on the relationship between urban green spaces and the duration of sleep in adults. Over the course of three years, the authors administered 259,319 questionnaires. According to the data analysis, people who lived in the greenest areas had the fewest problems with sleep duration. As a result, proximity to green urban areas was associated with better sleep outcomes, whereas a lack of urban greenery in a neighborhood was associated with a higher risk of short sleep duration.
Finally, a study by Grigsby-Toussaint et al.[14] investigated the relationship between exposure to the natural environment and sleep insufficiency in adults. The environmental survey gathered information from 255,171 volunteers, including self-reported sleep insufficiency measured in days over the previous 30 days. The study found that males who reported a week or more of insufficient sleep within the previous 30 days had lower odds of natural environmental exposure. This led to the conclusion that natural environmental interaction has an effect on adult sleep inadequacy.
Final Thoughts
There are an infinite number of ways in which frequent contact with the natural world can be beneficial. They range from aspects of our mental health, such as the improvement of depression and anxiety and the reduction of stress levels, to aspects of our cognitive and physical health, such as proper childhood development, the boosting of our immune system, assistance in obtaining quality sleep, and the encouragement of physical activity. If we are mindful of our innate need to be in nature and actively work to cultivate our relationship with the natural world, we can significantly improve our well-being and resistance to the development of a variety of potentially harmful health conditions.
Takeaway Points
Exposure to the natural environment is essential to our mental, physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Interaction with nature improves our immune system.
Spending time in green spaces promotes movement and physical activity.
Nature interaction can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Spending time in a green environment can lower stress levels.
Childhood development greatly benefits from outdoor play.
Our exposure to the surrounding greenery can help us sleep soundly.
References
This article contains 14 citations:
Disclaimer
Read carefully: