We all know — and a large part of our philosophy here at Open Voices — that being overly stimulated by modern technology can lead to impatience, irritability, lessened self-control, possibly even increased aggression and depression.
We here also believe that being outside, in sunshine, close to water and soil, gazing at clouds, trees, and listening to bird songs can help us relax, relieve anxiety, improve our mood and concentration.
Now, even more researchers are backing these beliefs up.
This month, Florence Williams details her restorative trip to forests of Japan in Outdoor Magazine and how researchers are “backing up the surprising theory that nature can lower your blood pressure, fight off depression, beat back stress—and even prevent cancer.” She describes the fascinating practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing:
“The Japanese go crazy for this practice, which is standard preventive medicine here. It essentially involves hanging out in the woods. It’s not about wilderness; it’s about the nature-civilization hybrid the Japanese have cultivated for thousands of years. You stroll a little, maybe write a haiku, crack open a spicebush twig and inhale its woodsy, sassy scent.
“People come out from the city and literally shower in the greenery,†our guide Kunio explained. “This way they are able to become relaxed.â€
Click here to read the full piece — and how research is supporting the therapeutic benefits of playing outside.
