Forest encounters: stress -free through nature - study shows incredible effects!

Forest encounters: stress -free through nature - study shows incredible effects!

A current study by MedUni Vienna brings new knowledge about the positive effects of stays in natural forest landscapes on mental health. According to the report of the Krone , research was published in the journal "Forests" and shows significant differences between groups that have been tested in a forest or an urban environment.

A total of 66 healthy adults were divided into two groups: a group spent time in the forest, while the other remained in a gray city environment. The results are impressive: the forest group showed a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol from 4 to 2 ng/ml, while in the city group there was no significant effect on the stress level. In addition, the mood of the participants in the forest group remained stable, while they sank by a quarter in the city. The negative affect in the forest group also reduced by twelve percent.

The use of short forest walks

The study authors emphasize that short forest walks are accessible and inexpensive for many people. In view of the results, researchers are calling for more nature to integrate in urban habitats and to develop ideas such as "green on prescription" to support mental health. Future studies should examine the effects of longer stays, different forest types and seasonal changes.

Another aspect is the focus on multi -sensory nature experiences, which are caused by forest fragrances and bird voices. This indicates that nature is not only a place of relaxation, but also a key to improving mental health.

natural therapy as a therapeutic concept

In the context of nature and its healing effects, natural therapy also gains importance. This integrative form of therapy, which integrates the experience and research of nature into psychotherapy, has proven to be useful to bring clients in contact with themselves and the world around them. As explained in an article on Psychology today, the therapeutic relationship with nature not only strengthens well-being, but also the self-efficacy of clients.