A substantial and growing body of research shows that sensory immersion in the natural world improves overall well-being. In some nations, like Japan, physicians prescribe “forest bathing” for patients struggling with stress and burnout. Studies show that interludes of nature immersion catalyze in positive changes in mood in as little as 10 minutes.
Some of these benefits include:
- Reduced stress response in the body
- Improved mood, including less anxiety and sadness
- Increased cognitive performance, including memory recall
- Slowed perception of time passing (less “hurry sickness”)
- More hope and gratitude
As the term implies, nature immersion involves focusing the senses on one’s natural surroundings by:
- Putting away digital devices that distract the mind
- Taking a few deep breaths to focus one’s awareness on the moment (mindfulness)
- Paying attention to the sensory inputs from nature through sounds, sights, smells, and physical contact
- Through these senses, exploring the natural environment
The best venues for nature immersion are green spaces, parks, beaches, gardens and woodlands, but even stepping outside for a short work break proves helpful. So, when you need to de-stress, do what your mother used to tell you: “Go outside.”
