We all know by now that walking isn’t just fun—it’s also good for your health. A 15-minute walk every day does wonders for your body and mind. What’s less well known is that walking in nature is even better for you. A great deal of scientific research has been conducted on this topic, and the effect of nature on people and our behavior is astonishing. Read more about the effects of forest bathing and all the benefits of walking in nature.
The five most important scientifically proven benefits of hiking in nature:
Spending time in nature helps you get more physical activity, which is important for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of various chronic diseases. Modern approaches to health promotion are increasingly focused on prevention.
Historically, there has always been a strong focus on nutrition, sleep, and physical activity as key factors in maintaining good health. It is now increasingly recognized that nature In addition to these three pillars, the fourth pillar of health should be taken into account. People who live near green spaces are naturally more physically active. Read on to learn about the positive impact nature has on your body.
Walking in nature can have a positive impact on your physical health. Regular physical activity is important in any case for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Hiking in nature is a great way to get your daily dose of exercise while enjoying the beauty of the Outdoor life.
Research has shown that walking in nature also reduces stress and anxiety, improves your mood, and promotes overall well-being.
Studies have shown that spending time in a green environment can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Polish research has shown that stress levels decrease in young adults who took a 15-minute walk through a city park during the winter. Just ten minutes of brisk walking a day can make a difference, although you’ll reap the greatest benefits if you spend about two hours a week in nature.
In addition to reducing stress, walking in nature can also improve your mood and overall well-being. Nature stimulates your senses and promotes a sense of happiness. Psychological research has also shown that people who spend more time in nature tend to report higher levels of life satisfaction.
Scientists who study the effects of nature on our mental well-being are convinced that exposure to a natural environment allows us to “reset.” It can be a much-needed break from the many stimuli of daily life. Our brains are constantly searching for information and patterns, but in nature we experience something completely different: there are no computers or phones, no other people—just ourselves, the open air, and trees. This gives our minds a sense of calm and space, allowing us to catch our breath mentally.
Research has also shown that walking in nature can improve your focus and concentration. It slows your heart rate and breathing and triggers the release of calming hormones such as endorphins. Anxiety and stress are reduced, and you can focus better and think more creatively. In addition, taking walks outdoors provides a change of scenery and a break from your daily routine. You get a cognitive break and your mind is refreshed, which improves your ability to take action and make better decisions.
Part of this boost in immune system function is attributed to “phytoncides.” Phytoncides are natural oils found in trees and plants that are part of their defense system. Trees known to produce particularly high levels of phytoncides include the evergreen cedar, spruce, conifers, and pines, as well as the oak. These natural oils are beneficial not only to trees but also to us humans. In addition to boosting the immune system by increasing the number of immune cells, inhaling these oils has been shown to:
In Japan, a forest bath is called “Shinrin-yoku,” which essentially means a short, relaxing visit to the forest. Japanese research has shown that walking in nature can even strengthen the immune system. Research into the effects of forest bathing showed that a monthly forest bathing trip resulted in an increase in “natural killer cells” (NK cells) in the bloodstream that lasted for more than 30 days.
In addition to the benefits for physical and mental health, walking in nature can, of course, also be a great way to connect with friends, family, or coworkers. Whether you go for a walk alone or with others, nature provides the perfect setting for meaningful conversations and quality time. Walking side by side without constant eye contact makes conversation flow more naturally and allows you to communicate more openly.
Better Places: Do you enjoy hiking and would you like to go hiking in a small group during your vacation? Then check out Better Places. They offer a variety of small-group hiking trips to unique destinations with stunning natural scenery throughout Europe—whether close to home, in the mountains, or with a specific theme like photography.
In his book *The Art and Science of Forest Bathing*, Dr. Qing Li, an international expert in the field of forest medicine, demonstrates the power of nature and the forest. We instinctively know that nature is good for us. In Japanese, there is a word for this: *yugen*—feeling at one with nature.
Biophilia is the idea that humans have an innate need to connect with nature. In 1984, American biologist Edward O. Wilson introduced the idea that humans have a natural tendency to seek a connection with nature and other life forms. It has also been shown that children who spend a lot of time playing in nature during their childhood tend to appreciate and respect nature more as adults.
Many people believe that being barefoot in nature has its own benefits. Research shows that direct contact with the earth’s surface—literally “grounding”—can reduce inflammation, pain, and stress while simultaneously improving blood flow, energy levels, and sleep quality. Furthermore, it has been discovered that direct contact with the earth can be important for regulating daily biological rhythms that aid in the secretion of hormones, such as cortisol. Of course, it’s not for everyone. It also takes some practice.
Research has also shown that time spent in nature and a stronger connection to nature can lead to an increase in environmentally friendly behavior. By consciously walking in nature, you are more likely to treat the environment in a more sustainable way, recycle, and participate in activities that are environmentally responsible, while reducing your participation in activities that are harmful to the environment.
In short: hiking in nature isn’t just fun—it’s also a simple and powerful way to improve your physical and mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to strengthening the immune system, the benefits of spending time in nature are numerous and scientifically proven. What’s more, it can benefit our planet as well.
So, if you have a moment, go for a walk—a stroll in the park or just a mindful walk in a nearby forest. Experience the many benefits of nature for yourself. Discover how just one forest bath a month can improve your mood and health.
The studies above clearly show that walking in nature is good for you. Be sure to set aside some extra time for it on your vacation and go for a walk. The natural scenery in many destinations is surprisingly beautiful and diverse. Take a look, for example, at the stunning natural beauty of Tuscany.
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Met een passie voor reizen en fotografie én meer dan 30 jaar ervaring in de reisbranche, deel ik graag mijn bijzondere natuur-reistips. Reizen is heerlijk en belangrijk, je ontmoet nieuwe mensen en culturen en het opent je blik op de wereld.
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Laat je inspireren
Ben je op zoek naar de mooiste wandel- en fietsroutes? Of wil je informatie over reizen met de trein of advies voor de mooiste roadtrips door de natuur. Laat je inspireren voor je volgende reis in het groen; ideeën om je eigen reis te plannen of te kiezen voor een georganiseerde reis.
