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Even if you live in a big city, when you open your window and see a beautiful tree; Or, when you see a flower or hear a bird singing, your mood changes, the tension eases, everything becomes lighter for a moment.
And the greater and more routine the contact and observation of nature, there is a significant reduction in stress and, as a consequence, an increase in immunity.
At the moment, this contact needs to be encouraged with more caution.
But when our routine normalizes and it is possible to travel again, this contact can be stimulated in a much more immersive way. Many destinations have interaction with nature as their main attraction and Ambiental specializes in these trips.
Therefore, to make your quarantine easier and encourage planning your next trip in the near future, we have listed below the benefits of experiences that promote contact with nature!
Forest Bathing
There are trips that provide a true “forest bath” – a Japanese concept that encourages people to spend time immersed in a green and wooded area to relax and acquire all the energy of nature.
Studies carried out by Chiba University, as well as research carried out by Nippon Medical School, in Japan, showed that this frequent “diving” in forests and forests positively influences the immune system, strengthening people’s physical, mental and emotional health.
It helps reduce stress, as it lowers the level of cortisol, reduces blood pressure and influences the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which are nervous systems responsible for the state of alert (sympathetic) and the state of calm (parasympathetic).
Body energy balance
Did you know that taking a waterfall bath balances the body’s energy? The cold water that hits the rocks brings this strength to the body and soul, recharging your energy. A study by the University of Jerusalem, in Israel, proved that there are beneficial effects on the body when people are exposed to negative ions, and it is these particles that are formed when water molecules collide with rocks, which, when their electrons escape, become unite with them, the result is negative ions.
Furthermore, it improves blood circulation as contact with cold water makes the heart accelerate to circulate blood more quickly, thus keeping us warm, improving the cardiovascular system.
It also helps to reduce muscle pain, causing body relaxation; enhances the beauty of skin, nails and hair by removing oil and impurities, and stimulates collagen production.
Better sleep
It is known that constant presence outdoors in the environment helps with restful sleep, as it increases the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Greater exposure to the sun during the day, and to the darkness at night, facilitates this production, regulating the circadian rhythm, which is the famous biological clock.
A study carried out by the University of Colorado proved this, placing two groups of people under analysis, one of which went camping in a forest for two days, and the other group stayed at home. The study showed that after the experience, the group that camped had their melatonin production prolonged for more days, resulting in better sleep for longer.
Sun exposure
Exposing yourself outdoors on sunny days combats depression. The sun increases the level of vitamin D in the body, an important element for mental health. In some places on the planet, the incidence of sunlight is lower at certain times of the year, such as winter, for example, causing people to leave the house less. This lack of sun can cause a lack of this vitamin in the body, triggering symptoms of depression.
Beliefs and energies
There are many beliefs surrounding the healing and invigorating energies that nature offers to living beings. It is possible to feel this energy when connecting with it, when contemplating its beauty or when touching trees, plants and animals; when walking on grass, dirt or sand, taking a dip in the sea, rivers, lakes or bathing in waterfalls.
Both the energy coming from above, from the Sun, and the energy coming from below, from the center of the Earth, are natural, vital and positive energies that increase body energy, raising the vibration and frequency that are also emanated by people.
This contact helps in several ways:
- Reduces negative thoughts;
- Increases the body’s immunity;
- Increases body oxygenation;
- Increases creativity, memory, focus and concentration;
- Provides relaxation and tranquility;
- Increases the feeling of fullness and well-being;
- Encourages frequency of physical activities;
- Reduces risks of chronic diseases; and much more.
All the benefits we talk about in this article contribute to health and quality of life, by making us disconnect, at least a little, from urban life to connect with the environment, increasing our vital functions in the healthiest way possible: in amidst nature.
When you’re not traveling, you can be in contact with Nature in other ways. Check out some of our tips:
