Why Does Time in Nature Heal?

Nature heals. It's obvious to many of us. But why?

The practice of forest bathing, an exercise of spending intentional and reflective time among trees, has been successfully prescribed in Japan since the 80's and existed intuitively around the world for millennia.

There are a few likely reasons why nature is so impactful. The first is that trees release phytoncides, essentially organic chemicals that help combat respiratory disease in humans. Somewhere along the way, we co-evolved with these species, and much like birds that bathe themselves in ants to kill infections we have unique and perhaps underappreciated interaction with flora. After all, life expectancy is significantly higher among people who live near trees and forests in general, even controlling for variables like income.

The second reason may be linked to creativity. Research has consistently shown that nature makes people feel psychological relief and neuroplasticity: or in other words the ability to change our outlook. So do physical activities like walking, as any late-night or early-morning stroller is sure to know. By getting our blood flowing, being aware of our surroundings, seeing the world as it really is and not just through a screen, many an author, poet, and inventor has drawn inspiration from going outside. The act is meditative, repetitive, rhythmic.

As an organization that hosts nature walks across the Northeast, we have identified yet another and perhaps less clear why nature is healing: communion.

When we carve out intention time from our days to be in our happy place, whether it be a trail or a library, we meet often allow for conversation to take place with people who are like-minded. Where you are intimately shapes who you meet, and the people you meet, know, and spend your time with in-turn change your personality.

So practically speaking, how can we spend more quality time in nature and inspire others too as well?

• Take Tasks Outside: Take a call on stroll, sit on your laptop outside your house or at a nearby cafe or library, invite your therapist on a walk. For all bodies and abilities, there are always small ways to spend more time around plants and the outdoors.

• Invite a Friend: Your friends like being invited to things. They like hearing from you. Even if they say no, they appreciate that you think of them. Pick up your phone right now and invite someone on a walk. Mention a few times that work for you, and don't take rejection personallly.

• Protect Your Skin: Sunlight is pure happiness in ray form. Yet it also ages our skin very impactfully. Far from this think piece being hijacked by a dermatologist, spending time in nature should motivate us to purchase things like loose-fitting long sleeved clothes and sunscreen.

• Join an Event: Themed walks are becoming more common (relative to the post-2000's era at least). Join one of our events or ones hosted by other local birding or nature groups. You do not have know every latin name, bird type, or really anything to make it work. You don't have to be an extrovert. All you need is the desire to have a good time, and a means to get there.

Nature heals, and it calls on us to meditate on how to enjoy her company more. Use these tips to make it happen.