For hundreds of years, people have known that nature has profound and positive effects on human lives (Suttie 1). Over the years, various writers have documented the benefits of spending some time in nature (Suttie 1). These writers most probably based their claims on own experiences or those of others. Until recently, there has been no scientific evidence to support the above claims. This essay focuses on a variety of health benefits that we experience when we take time to interact with Mother Nature. It also explores the growing research evidence that supports the argument that natural settings improve human lives and health.
Researchers in the United States, as well as other parts of the world, have gathered evidence that backs the argument and belief that nature affects our bodies and brain in a positive way (Suttie 1; Reynolds par 1). Apparently, science can now prove that the old belief and notion that green spaces help us to feel calmer and peaceful as well as assist us in recovering from the stress factors we experience in our day-to-day lives.
Interaction with nature is known to reduce stress levels. Various scholars have found out that urban dwellers tend to have higher levels of anxiety. In Japan, for instance, researchers discovered that study participants who took a walk in a forest had a lowers heart rate and better moods compared to those who walked in the city (Suttie 2). Findings from a study in Finland show that strolling in city parks can act as a stress relief for city dwellers (Suttie 2). Similar studies carried out in Amsterdam and Stanford indicates that exposure to real green spaces or virtual ones led to psychological relief from stress and anxiety. Naturally, we would expect such profound psychological benefits to result from being in majestic and breath-taking natural landscapes. Interestingly, simple pictures of pathways and trees produced calmness in study participants who had previous exposure to a stressing arithmetic test (Reynolds par 4). If such dull visual stimuli can produce such effects, imagine the impacts that natural sights coupled with the sounds of nature could have on psychological health.
Some people argue that the stress relief benefits associated with nature result from the physical activity in hiking, walking or strolling (Suttie 2; Reynolds par 1). To refute these claims scientists have shown that looking at pictures of nature produce similar psychological effects as walking in a park or hiking in the jungle (Reynolds par 1). According to Suttie (2), nature augments the effects of physical exercise on our mental wellness.
Although stress reduction plays a significant role in increasing happiness, nature has several other ways of making of brood less and become happier. In a study carried out at Stanford University, scientists have found that green spaces influence our moods, emotions, and cognition (Suttie 2 & 3). The study showed that participants who took a walk in a natural setting were less anxious, had less rumination, experienced positive emotions, and performed better on memory tests (Suttie 3). On the other hand, study subjects who walked along a busy city road had higher levels of anxiety and rumination making them less happy and prone to depression and anxiety (Suttie 2).
Apart from reducing rumination, nature walks tend to increase “the activity of the subgenual prefrontal cortex” a part of the brain that affects moods and emotions (Suttie 3). Scholars have attributed the deactivation of this brain section to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. These findings indicate clearly that natural sights and sounds have beneficial impacts on our moods.
Today, a myriad of activities that demand our attention overwhelms our lives. Consequently, mental fatigue and burnouts often weigh down the modern-day man. Fortunately, researchers have found conclusive evidence that indicates that human interaction with nature is helpful in restoring a healthy state and function of the brain.
In one study, researchers examined the ability of hikers to solve puzzles after a four-day hiking experience. These hikers solved 47% more puzzles that required creativity compared to their counterparts who were yet to take the hiking trip (Suttie 3). These research results show that nature helps in restoring attention and creativity, thus, improving cognitive performance. Scientists have associated the restorative mental impact of natural scenes to the activation of the prefrontal cortex in the brain increasing mediation and creativity, and attention levels (Suttie 4).
Another surprising effect of nature is that it helps us to treat others with kindness and generosity. According to Suttie (5), the positive emotions resulting from exposure to beautiful natural scenes increases the tendency to be helpful, trusting, and generous. For instance, study subjects who had been exposed to the beauty of nature tended to have increased levels of generosity and confidence while playing the Dictator Game and the Trust Game (Suttie 5). Apparently, nature enhanced their standard of trust, kindness, and charity.
Given the enormous amount of time that we spend indoors in front of screens, we need the rejuvenating effects of nature now more than ever. We now know that “there is something about nature that renews us, allowing us to feel better, to think better, and to deepen our understanding of ourselves and others” (Suttie 6). The facts supported by science should boost our confidence and willingness to spend time in green spaces as well as conserve our natural environment.
Works cited
Reynolds, Gretchen. “The Picture of Health.” The New York Times 20 Mar. 2016. Web.
Suttie, Jill. “How Nature Can Make You Kinder, Happier, and More Creative.” Greater Good 2 Mar. 2016. Web.
