A 15-Minute Cure: How Trees Transform Our Health
The forest is a quiet place where our minds can find peace and our bodies can heal.
Rachel Carson
I’ve always enjoyed being around trees.
As a child, I loved exploring in the woods of my grandparents’ farm. Now that I have my own small woodlot, I’m out there as much as possible.
Each morning, I walk to the back of my property taking in the white oaks and red oaks, the tulip poplars, the black gums, the quaking aspens, and the sassafras.
That trek always makes me feel good.
The mental health benefits of being in nature, especially among trees, are well known.
But I discovered only recently that trees boost our physical health as well.
Here are some scientific studies that explore the benefits to our bodies and brains that result from exposure to nature.
A 1984 study discovered that hospital patients with windows overlooking trees recovered faster.
A Japanese study showed that a 15-minute walk in a cedar forest reduced cortisol levels, lowered blood pressure, and improved the immune system.
Another study in Japan determined that trees emit a compound that, when inhaled, boosts the immune system.
A study performed by the University of Michigan found that a nature walk improved short-term memory by 20% compared to a walk in an urban setting.
In 2021, a Harvard study found that exposure to trees reduced cognitive decline.
The University of Louisville and The Nature Conservancy planted 8,000 trees in a four-square-mile area. They found residents had a significant reduction in a marker for inflammation, which led to a 10–15% reduction in strokes over two years.
Most surprisingly, a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives determined that urban tree canopy reduces asthma and allergies.
These benefits are in addition to the benefits that come from walking itself.
Just being in nature, even for a short time, improves our physical and mental health. We also tend to be more active when outside than when sitting on the couch binge watching Netflix.
You may not have your own stand of trees, but you can find a park or green area nearby.
Make an appointment today with nature, even if only for 15 minutes.
You’ll be glad you did.
Now, please excuse me. It’s time for my morning walk.
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