Rediscover Calm: The Benefits of Trees
I often wonder why a walk in the forest quickly awakens my senses. It sharpens the sounds and smells around me. It also leaves me feeling peaceful and calm. This serenity has sparked much of the imagination behind my latest book. Science now supports what many of us have intuitively known: trees have a profound ability to put us in a positive state of mind.
The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” introduced in 1982 by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, was designed specifically to counter rising stress and mental health issues by encouraging people to spend time in forests.
The concept is simple: take a slow, mindful walk among the trees, engage your senses, and breathe deeply.
Recent research confirms that trees emit aromatic compounds called phytoncides, which have measurable health benefits. Dr. Qing Li, a leading figure in forest medicine and associate professor at Nippon Medical School, conducted a groundbreaking study published in 2007.
The findings revealed that time spent in forests significantly boosts natural killer (NK) cell activity, which plays a crucial role in the immune system’s ability to fight cancer and infections.
Moreover, the study showed a marked reduction in the stress hormone cortisol following forest immersion, leading to a drop in stress and anxiety. Participants reported improved mood, reduced anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of calm and relaxation after time spent in the woods. These lower stress levels improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and, in the long run, support longevity.
The human brain is wired to negative bias
In today’s world, where our minds are constantly bombarded with negative messages that fuel anxiety and fear, this connection to nature becomes even more crucial. The human brain is wired with a negativity bias, a survival mechanism that our ancestors developed to remain alert to potential threats in their environment. If two hunters crossed paths, the first instinct would be to ask about dangers ahead.
This bias is embedded in the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for emotional processing. It reacts more strongly to negative stimuli, triggering the body’s fight-or-flight response.
Stress shuts down vital body organs
In moments of perceived danger, stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol flood the body. They shut down non-essential functions like digestion. They also concentrate all resources on immediate action. This intense focus on survival overshadows positive experiences, making negative emotions like fear, anger, or sadness more memorable and impactful than joy or calm.
This is why negative narratives—particularly in politics and media—are so powerful. They tap into our primal wiring, skewing our perception of reality to appear far more dangerous and threatening than it often is. It’s essential, now more than ever, to guard the mind against this bombardment and create space for healing and rejuvenation.
You can actively counter the negativity bias by practicing gratitude, and mindfulness. When was the last time you went for a walk in the park or in a forest?
A walk amid trees in nature will help retrain the brain to focus on positive experiences, strengthening emotional resilience and fostering a greater sense of happiness.
Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker
P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.
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