The Science Behind Forests’ Feel-Good Nature

Did you know there's actual science behind the forest's feel-good nature? 

• A bacteria living in soil, mycobacterium vaccae, stimulates our brains to release serotonin and has been shown to strengthen our immune systems. There's a reason for the old adage, "Rub some dirt on it!" 

• Phytoncides are natural compounds emitted by trees and plants, particularly in forests. They are part of plants' defense against harmful insects, bacteria, and fungi. When we inhale these compounds, we receive multiple health benefits. Phytoncides stimulate the production of natural killer (NK) cells in the human immune system, which play a critical role in fighting infections, preventing tumor growth, and enhancing overall immune defense. Inhaling phytoncides has also been linked to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which reduces anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and produces an overall feeling of relaxation. 

• A fractal is a complex pattern in which similar shapes recur at different scales. Fractals found in nature are called natural fractals because they don't exactly repeat themselves. Remarkably, our brains are significantly more sensitive to natural fractals than exact ones. Even when we're not fully aware we're doing so, our brains are tuned to locate and respond to fractal patterns, which reduces stress, increases focus, and increases our ability to learn new information and our frustration tolerance.

These are just some scientific mechanisms underlying the benefits of spending time in nature.  These facts reinforce the reality that nature always finds a way to care for us. I hope we can all find ways, big or small, to return the favor!