Environments, according to research, can reduce or increase stress levels, in turn affecting your body. What you hear, see or experience at any moment has an effect on your endocrine, nervous and immune systems, including your mood.
An unpleasant environment is stressful and can make your feel sad, anxious or even helpless. In turn, this can heighten your heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension. It can also suppress your immunity. However, a pleasant environment does the opposite.
Nature is pleasing to all human irrespective of culture or age. A study cited in the Healing Gardens book show that over two-thirds of the population worldwide opt to retreat in natural environments when undergoing stressful situations.
Viewing or exploring scenes in nature reduces fear, anger and stress while increasing pleasant feelings. When exposed to nature, it heals your emotions and physical wellbeing. It lowers your heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones, and muscle tension to heal you emotionally and physically.
Nature also reduces mortality rates. Studies reveal that even a single plant placed indoors can significantly lower anxiety and stress levels.
Nature also soothes, helping us cope with pain. Getting lost in nature, because we find water, trees, plants and other elements of nature engrossing, can distract you from discomfort and pain. Studies reveal that patients with views of nature tolerate pain better and eventually spend less time in hospitals.
Nature also restores the mind from anxious, stressed and depressed states to balanced and calm conditions. Spending time in nature can improve your mood and psychological wellbeing, vitality and meaningfulness, including general wellbeing.