Nature

Nature has always been an integral part of our human existence. Sadly, modern life and busy schedules are leaving us more detached from nature than ever before. Anecdotal evidence and scientific research has shown the positive effect that nature can have on our physical and mental wellbeing.

Spending time in nature:

  • Helps individuals feel more connected to the natural world (1)

  • Supports greater self-growth (1)

  • Improves feelings of vitality (2)

  • Has been reported to improve mental health, in particular anxiety and depression (3-4)

  • Reduces feelings of stress and has the potential to increase resilience against stressful life events (5). Some of these benefits include lower prevalence of high blood pressure (6,3)

  • Improves social wellbeing outcomes (3)

  • Provides mental restoration (8-10)

  • Supports the immune system by boosting production of natural killer cells (11)

Evidence suggests that even a small exposure to ‘green space’ can be enough to produce short term spikes in wellbeing (12 & 13), however it has been recommended that you should aim for at least 2 hours of nature contact per week (5). Interestingly, the magnitude of these benefits increases with the dose of nature (14) and therefore, this should form a solid part of lifestyle medicine as a prescription to improve wellbeing (15). This explains why nature is one of the key pillars of wellbeing at Camphora Wellbeing and we aim to surround you with natural beautiful in every service we offer.

Spending time in nature can positively influence our wellbeing

References:

  1. Pritchard, A., Richardson, M., Sheffield, D., & McEwan, K. (2020). The relationship between nature connectedness and eudaimonic well-being: A meta-analysis. Journal of Happiness Studies, 21(3), 1145-1167.

  2. Van den Berg, M., van Poppel, M., van Kamp, I., Andrusaityte, S., Balseviciene, B., Cirach, M., & Maas, J. (2016). Visiting green space is associated with mental health and vitality: A cross-sectional study in four european cities. Health & place, 38, 8-15.

  3. Shanahan, D.F.; Bush, R.; Gaston, K.J.; Lin, B.B.; Dean, J.; Barber, E.; Fuller, R.A. Health benefits from nature experiences depend on dose. Sci. Rep. 2016, 6, 28551.

  4. Pretty, J.; Peacock, J.; Hine, R.; Sellens, M.; South, N.; Griffin, M. Green exercise in the UK countryside: Effects on health and psychological well-being, and implications for policy and planning. J. Environ. Plan. Manag. 2007, 50, 211–231.

  5. White, M. P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B. W., Hartig, T., Warber, S. L., ... & Fleming, L. E. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific reports, 9(1), 1-11.

  6. Donovan, G.H.; Gatziolis, D.; Longley, I.; Douwes, J. Vegetation diversity protects against childhood asthma: Results from a large New Zealand birth cohort. Nat. Plants 2018, 4, 358–364.

  7. Nutsford, D., Pearson, A. L., & Kingham, S. (2013). An ecological study investigating the association between access to urban green space and mental health. Public health, 127(11), 1005-1011.

  8. Swinburn, B.A.; Walter, L.G.; Arroll, B.; Tilyard, M.W.; Russell, D.G. The green prescription study: A randomized controlled trial of written exercise advice provided by general practitioners. Am. J. Public Health 1998, 88, 288–291.

  9. Barton, J.; Pretty, J. What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? A multi-study analysis. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2010, 44, 3947–3955.

  10. Davids, K.; Araujo, D.; Brymer, E. Designing affordances for physical activity: An ecological dynamics perspective. Sports Med, In press.

  11. Li, Q. (2010). Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environmental health and preventive medicine, 15(1), 9-17.

  12. Bowler, D. E., Buyung-Ali, L. M., Knight, T. M., & Pullin, A. S. (2010). A systematic review of evidence for the added benefits to health of exposure to natural environments. BMC public health, 10(1), 1-10.

  13. MacKerron, G., & Mourato, S. (2013). Happiness is greater in natural environments. Global environmental change, 23(5), 992-1000. 14. Van den Berg, A. E., Maas, J., Verheij, R. A., & Groenewegen, P. P. (2010). Green space as a buffer between stressful life events and health. Social science & medicine, 70(8), 1203-1210.

  14. Cohen-Cline, H.; Turkheimer, E.; Duncan, G.E. Access to green space, physical activity and mental health:8 A twin study. J. Epidemiol. Community Health 2015, 69, 523–529.

  15. Barton, J., & Pretty, J. (2010). What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? A multi-study analysis. Environmental Science and Technology, 44, 3947–3955.