Green spaces in urban areas are just as important as rural forests. And because stress inhibits the immune system, the stress-reduction benefits of forests are further magnified. Using the Profile of Mood States test, researchers found that forest bathing trips significantly decreased the scores for anxiety, depression, anger, confusion and fatigue. Studies examining the same activities in urban, unplanted areas showed no reduction of stress-related effects. Looking at pictures of trees has a similar, but less dramatic, effect. Numerous studies show that both exercising in forests and simply sitting looking at trees reduce blood pressure as well as the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Spending time around trees and looking at trees reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves mood. Japanese researchers are currently exploring whether exposure to forests can help prevent certain kinds of cancer. In one study, increased NK activity from a 3-day, 2-night forest bathing trip lasted for more than 30 days. These cells kill tumor- and virus-infected cells in our bodies. When people breathe in these chemicals, our bodies respond by increasing the number and activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells or NK. Phytoncides have antibacterial and antifungal qualities which help plants fight disease. While we breathe in the fresh air, we breathe in phytoncides, airborne chemicals that plants give off to protect themselves from insects. Research is casting light on how spending time outdoors and in forests makes us healthier:Įxposure to forests boosts our immune system. It means taking in the forest atmosphere or "forest bathing," and the ministry encourages people to visit forests to relieve stress and improve health. Recognizing those benefits, in 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries even coined a term for it: shinrin-yoku. and around the world are exploring the health benefits of spending time outside in nature, green spaces, and, specifically, forests.
Most of us sense that taking a walk in a forest is good for us. Spending time in forests makes us healthier.
0 kommentar(er)
