When we get closer to nature—be it untouched wilderness or a backyard tree—we do our overstressed brains a favour. So says National Geographic.
It explains how science is proving what we've always known intuitively: Nature does good things to the human brain. It makes us healthier, happier, and smarter.
“People underestimate the happiness effect” of being outdoors, a psychology professor says. “We don’t think of it as a way to increase happiness. We think other things will, like shopping or TV. We evolved in nature. It’s strange we’d be so disconnected.”
It reports findings of people awakening to the nature around them:
“On the third day my senses recalibrate—I smell things and hear things I didn’t before,”
This is similar to our experience at a Re-wild Yourself retreat:
“I'm feeling light of spirit, delighted, ever so slightly light in the head.... I loved the simple but powerful experience in slowing down to notice nature and oneself.... thanks Liana and co-wildees for a nuturing, adventurous weekend journey and treat.” T
And the conclusion:
“At the end of the day, we come out in nature not because the science says it does something to us, but because of how it makes us feel.”
I’ve learned the hard way that being in nature is essential to my happiness and wellbeing. What about you?