Intuitively, humans have been aware for thousands of years how much nature can benefit their physical and mental health. They have lived in nature, made food out of what they get from nature, and created rituals out of nature. In many East Asian cultures, taking a bath in natural spring water is a rite of passage. In indigenous tribes, they worship and protect nature.
People spend all their days under fluorescent lights in the office and before television screens at home that it’s no wonder they get easily stressed and anxious. But a professional beekeeper suit can show you that there is less stress and pressure when dealing with nature and its inhabitants. Beekeeping may be a serious business, but it’s being outside and working with the natural life that make beekeepers less stressed.
Why Nature?
There is no scientific reason nature has a positive impact on people’s physical, emotional, psychological, mental, and social well-being. The best hypothesis would come from E.O. Wilson’s biophilia theory, which says that evolution plays a crucial role in people’s need to be surrounded in nature. Seeing as nature is where people source food, energy, shelter, and comfort, people are naturally drawn to it. This might also explain why children love playing outdoors.
Nature, Anxiety, and Stress
Nature has the power to reduce the stress of everyday living. It relaxes the mind and decreases the activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is active when people think about work and errands. When you’re out and surrounded by green trees and blue skies, your mind can take a break from rumination, a primary reason for feelings of anxiety and stress. Rumination is described as endless worries and what-ifs.
In many offices around the world, natural architecture is being integrated. This, after several studies found that a view of a garden or a park can, de-stress workers and reduce their risk of getting depressed. Offices that are shrouded in natural light also lead to higher job satisfaction.
Reduced Inflammation and Fatigue
Going outside for a short walk can also reduce inflammation that often leads to inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, depression, and autoimmune diseases. It might even have a positive effect on those who have high levels of hypertension. The restorative feature of nature can also calm your brain, which is subject to mental fatigue. You don’t even have to go out for a walk or find a patch of garden in the city. Looking at pictures of nature almost has the same effect.
Focus and Productivity Boost
One study divided a group of people into three categories: one would take a walk in nature; another would walk through the city; and the last would just stay and relax. After everyone returned, those who walked in nature scored high in a proofreading task originally intended for them. This means that nature also has a positive effect on people’s ability to focus on their tasks.
The same study also hinted that walking in nature may help kids with attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Kids with ADHD who underwent a similar study showed improved focus after just 20 minutes of walking in the park. If found true, this is revolutionary for those with the disorder.
If you’re feeling anxious, stressed, and depressed, all you might have to do is to take a short walk in the park. You’ll find that upon returning, your mood has significantly improved. If a park is inaccessible, surround yourself with images of nature. That can also soothe your feelings of anxiety and depression.
