Restorative Powers of Natural Environments
Yuyin Liu, Savannah College of Art and Design

fall leavesNature surrounds us in myriad ways: the morning sunlight, the fresh air of a forest, the crisp autumn breeze, or the warmth of a fire in the hearth. These elements are part of our daily experience, engaging our senses—sight, smell, sound, touch—even if we are not always fully aware of them (Kühn& Gallinat, 2024). In today’s fast-paced, information-rich world, where we encounter a steady stream of information each day, it’s common to experience feelings of anxiety and irritability (Schmitt et al., 2018).Left unchecked, these feelings can take a toll on our mental health, leading to conditions like depression. Currently, 4.4% of the global population suffers from depression, while 3.6% are affected by anxiety (Yeon et al., 2021).

Traditional psychotherapy, often reliant on medications and psychological counseling, has its drawbacks. While effective in many cases, medications for mental health disorders can cause unwanted side effects. These range from physical issues such as weight gain, gastrointestinal problems, and headaches, to mental side effects like insomnia and irritability. Moreover, some of these medications are addictive, and patients often face a risk of relapse when treatment is discontinued. (Yeon et al., 2021).

An alternative approach to healing is naturopathy: an approach that harnesses the restorative power of natural environments through the senses (Yeon et al., 2021). Financially, naturopathy is more accessible, as it does not involve expensive medical treatments, easing both the economic and psychological burden on individuals. Implementing the approach into a K-12 setting may promote the holistic development of students by encouraging physical activity and integrating mindfulness practices into their daily curriculum. Moreover, this can help students manage stress and promote better focus. Furthermore, given our fast-paced society, brief moments in nature—whether in a garden or park—can support emotional regulation and improve well-being.

Nature holds a special place in the human experience. For some, the sound of rain can lull them to sleep, while others feel uplifted by a bright, sunny day. Research has shown that physical contact with plants has a calming effect on emotions. Additionally, those in natural environments exhibit more relaxed brain activity compared to those in urban settings. This calming effect is not only beneficial for individuals with mental health conditions but also contributes to the overall health of adults. (Olszewska-Guizzo et al., 2022). Exposure to nature also increases the number of negative ions in the body, which can strengthen the immune system and improve cardiovascular and respiratory functions.

In modern society, where our connection to nature has diminished, stress levels continue to rise. When the pressure becomes overwhelming, stepping away from electronic devices and immersing yourself in nature—whether by walking through trees, basking in sunlight, or listening to birds—can help you slow down, relax, and restore balance.

References

Kühn, S., & Gallinat, J. (2024). Environmental neuroscience unravels the pathway from the physical environment to mental health. Nature Mental Health, 2, 263-269. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-023-00137-6

Olszewska-Guizzo, A., Fogel, A., Escoffier, N., Sia, A., Nakazawa, K., Kumagai, A., Dan, I.,& Ho, R. (2022). Therapeutic garden with contemplative features induces desirable changes in mood and brain activity in depressed adults. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 757056. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.757056

Schmitt, J. B., Debbelt, C. A., & Schneider, F. M. (2018). Too much information? Predictors of information overload in the context of online news exposure. Information, Communication & Society, 21(8), 1151-1167. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2017.1305427

Yeon, P.-S., Jeon, J.-Y., Jung, M.-S., Min, G.-M., Kim, G.-Y., Han, K.-M., Shin, M.-J., Jo, S.-H., Kim, J.-G.,& Shin, W.-S. (2021). Effect of forest therapy on depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(23), 12685. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312685

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