Nature: Your Gateway to Peace
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Spending time in nature has long been associated with a sense of peace and tranquility. From a walk in the park to a hike in the mountains, being in nature can have a profound impact on our emotional and mental well-being. But what is the science behind this phenomenon? How does nature help us feel peaceful? One of the main ways that nature helps us feel peaceful is through reducing stress. Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments can decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can have a positive impact on our overall well-being. Researchers have also found that spending time in nature can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Another way that nature promotes peacefulness is through promoting a sense of awe and wonder. When we are in nature, we are often surrounded by beautiful and awe-inspiring sights, whether it's a sunset over a mountain range or a waterfall in a forest. These experiences can evoke a sense of awe and wonder that can have a powerful impact on our emotions and mood.
In addition to reducing stress and promoting awe, being in nature can also help us feel more connected to the world around us. This sense of connection can promote feelings of peacefulness and well-being. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can increase feelings of empathy and compassion, which can help us feel more connected to the people and world around us. Finally, being in nature can help us practice mindfulness, which can promote a sense of peace and calm. When we are in nature, we are often more present in the moment and focused on our surroundings. This can help us slow down and be more mindful of our thoughts and feelings, which can promote a sense of peace and well-being.
In conclusion, the science behind nature and feeling peaceful is multifaceted. From reducing stress to promoting awe and wonder, being in nature can have a profound impact on our emotional and mental well-being. By spending more time in natural environments, we can cultivate a sense of peace and tranquility that can have a lasting impact on our overall well-being.
References for claims made in this article:
spending time in nature can decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol:
Lee, J., Park, B.-J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kagawa, T., & Miyazaki, Y. (2015). Restorative effects of viewing real forest landscapes, based on a comparison with urban landscapes. Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research, 30(3), 246-253. doi: 10.1080/02827581.2014.982417
Largo-Wight, E., Chen, W.-W., Dodd, V., & Weiler, R. (2011). Healthy workplaces: The effects of nature contact at work on employee stress and health. Public Health Reports, 126(Suppl. 1), 124-130. doi: 10.1177/00333549111260S116
Spending time in nature can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression:
Hansen, M. M., Jones, R., & Tocchini, K. (2017). Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and nature therapy: A state-of-the-art review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(8), 851. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14080851
Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., & Daily, G. C. (2012). The impacts of nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1249(1), 118-136. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06400.x
Spending time in nature can increase feelings of empathy and compassion:
Weinstein, N., Przybylski, A. K., & Ryan, R. M. (2009). Can nature make us more caring? Effects of immersion in nature on intrinsic aspirations and generosity. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 35(10), 1315-1329. doi: 10.1177/0146167209341649
Being in nature can help us practice mindfulness:
Raanaas, R. K., Patil, G. G., Hartig, T., & Anderssen, N. (2012). Forests, psychological restoration and stress. In H. Alves, S. S. Pinheiro, & J. Maroco (Eds.), Psychology of stress (pp. 191-209). Nova Science Publishers.
Lee, J., & Jeong, G. C. (2018). A study on the effects of nature sounds on stress relief. Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science, 50(3), 296-303. doi: 10.15324/kjcls.2018.50.3.296