ART posits that many of us suffer from directed attention fatigue (having to constantly refocus our attention and screen out stimuli). Exposure to nature can help us improve our ability to focus and concentrate. Click here for more articles about this topic.

In Mindful Wilderness Therapy, we practice soft fascination (listening to rain, watching clouds) which allows time and space for us to reflect and introspect.

Because nature provides sensory experiences that don’t overwhelm the brain, greater emotional control and focused attention can come from being in green spaces. In all ages, nature promotes self-regulation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system (our ‘rest and digest’ system) which helps put our brains and bodies into a relaxed and alert state (Fisher, 2019).

Phytoncides are antimicrobial volatile organic compounds made by plants. They are present in certain trees (oak, pine, cypress, cedar, locust), tea tree, garlic, and many spices. Phytoncides protect plants from bacteria, fungi, and insects. The National Institute of Health (NIH) cites studies that have shown that phytoncides increase the ability and number of “natural killer” cells in our body- these cells are important for fighting viruses and cancer. Studies of Forest Medicine in Japan show that, after time spent immersed in nature, natural killer cell activity was enhanced by 56%. A significant increase of 23% was maintained for one month even after returning to urban life.

Terpenes released by trees and plants are decoded by our limbic system (in our brains) and triggers the release of neurotransmitters, such as the “feel good” chemicals of serotonin and endorphins (Fisher, 2019). In 2018, a study was released released that correlates the absorption of terpenes with an increase in production of DHEA (a heart-protecting hormone), which is related to the reduction of depressive symptoms.

Research from Taylor & Kuo (2011) indicates that children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) who are exposed to green spaces to play in, are more relaxed and focused and better able to integrate sensory stimulation.

Sensory overload activates our sympathetic nervous system and puts our bodies into fight, flight, or freeze mode. When we experience sensory disintegration or overload, we are unable to process basic information that we receive about our bodies and the world around us.

In How nature nurtures (Sept 2022), the researchers conclude, “Our results demonstrate that exposure to nature for one hour decreases amygdala activity and can have salutogenic effects on brain regions related to stress. This suggests that going for a walk in nature may buffer detrimental effects of urban environment on stress-related brain regions, and in turn potentially act as a preventive measure against developing a mental disorder.”

Studies have shown the relationship between a 15 minute “dose” of being in nature with a marked decrease in salivary cortisol concentration (one of the primary stress hormones). Prolonged elevation of cortisol interferes with learning and memory, lowers immune function and bone density, and increases blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease, and weight. According to this 2019 study, after a 20-30 minute Nature Experience (NE), salivary cortisol had a 21.3% drop per hour of. Alpha-amylase is an enzyme that is responsive to physical and psychological stressors and is produced by the digestive system. Amylase had a 28.1% drop per hour.

In addition, with this small 15 minute dose of nature, blood pressure and pulse rate lower, heart rate variability (HRV) improves, and feelings of well-being increase. Also, Ulrich’s infamous study has shown a relationship between quicker recovery from surgery and seeing nature.

For our youth, who are facing levels of climate anxiety and ecological grief never seen before, wilderness therapy and nature connection is an important piece of boosting their resilience and improving mental health.

Click here to read Hannah Seldon-Dean’s article from the Child Mind Institute on how to help kids handle anxiety related to climate change.

Y. Ohtsuka, Noriyuki Yabunaka & Shigeru Takayama (1998) found that engaging in “forest bathing” (spending mindful, slow time in nature) decreases blood glucose levels AND A1C in patients with diabetes.

Cameron-Faulkner, T., Melville, J., & Gattis, M (2018) Studied parents with preschool-aged children (3-4 year olds) and found that parent-child communication is more responsive and connected in a natural environment (gardens, parks, woodlands, etc) compared to an indoor environment. Turn-taking and responsiveness were the two key indicators of communication quality assessed in the study. Communication quality impacts child development (language, cognitive, and social-emotional development). Natural environments increase the frequency of connected, responsive communication.

“When we respond to nature, we also respond to each other…”

According to Jo & Jules (2010), Acute, short-term exposure to green exercise (any activity in the presence of nature) improves both self-esteem and mood. This study showed that these improvements were irrespective of duration, intensity, location, gender, age, and/or health status. 5 - 60 minutes of activity provided the biggest improvement in overall well-being. Every green environment studied improved self-esteem and mood. However, the presence of water in the green environment generated greater effects.

Forest Medicine research finds that people who spend time just sitting in a forest experience a 1.4% decrease in systolic blood pressure and a 5.8% decrease in heart rate. In addition, cortisol levels (stress hormone) decrease by 12.4%.