July thoughts :Nature heals

Natural scenery lights up body parts associated with altruism and empathy; city scenery pumps more blood to the part that processes fear and anxiety,  South Korean researchers found. South Korea has  woven nature in its government policy for mental health and created a “healing forest” in Saneum Natural Recreation Forest. Its forest minister studied forest therapy’s effect on alcoholism, and encourage  visitors to flock to it. Thus reducing medical cost, while increasing benefits to local economies.

Pediatricians in California’s Center for Nature and Health Children Hospital prescribe for outpatients and their families regular visits to verdant parks.  The clinic even transformed itself into a picture of wilderness, showing places to visit.

In Finland, where there is a high rate of depression, alcoholism, suicide, the Natural Resources Institute recommends a minimum dose of nature, five hours/  month to improve people’s mental health. Kalevi Korpela, a psychology professor, helped design 40- to 50-minute walking “power trails” to encourage mindfulness and reflection... for physiological and mood changes.

Researches proved nature reduces stress, physical and mental fatigue, as it allows the brain to wander, rest and recover from the hustle-bustle of daily living. Amazing, but just looking at nature produces  psychological benefits – gives natural high, puts us in state of peace...  nature’s free gift to us!

Peace, good health, safety, abundance to us all!