The therapeutic benefits of nature from "summary" of Losing Eden by Lucy Jones
Nature has the power to heal. It can soothe our troubled minds, calm our racing hearts, and bring peace to our restless souls. Many of us have experienced the therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature, whether it's a walk in the woods, a swim in the sea, or simply sitting in a park and watching the world go by. There is something about being in nature that just makes us feel better, that helps us to forget our worries and cares, if only for a little while.
In our modern, fast-paced world, it is all too easy to become disconnected from the natural world. We spend our days indoors, staring at screens, immersed in artificial light and sound. We forget that we are a part of nature, that we are meant to be outside, under the open sky, surrounded by trees and grass and fresh air. When we do finally make the effort to step outside, to breathe in the fresh air, to feel the sun on our skin, we are reminded of the healing power of nature.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can have a profound impact on our mental and physical well-being. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can improve our mood, our memory, and our concentration. It can lower our blood pressure, our heart rate, and our levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Simply put, nature is good for us. It is like a balm for our weary souls, a tonic for our tired bodies.
But why is nature so therapeutic? What is it about being outside that has such a powerful effect on us? Some researchers believe that it has to do with our evolutionary history, that we are hardwired to respond positively to natural stimuli. Others suggest that it has to do with the sensory richness of nature, the sights, sounds, smells, and textures that engage our senses and stimulate our brains. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that nature has a unique ability to restore, rejuvenate, and heal us. And in a world that is increasingly urbanized, industrialized, and digitized, we need nature now more than ever.
