Connecting with Nature
We are fortunate enough to live in The Hague, close to the dunes, beach and a lot of beautiful parks and forests. So, for us nature is all around and easily accessible. Spending time walking on the beach, exploring the mountains and just clearing our minds in the forest is important to us - we always come home refreshed, happier and feeling positivity all around. Did you know that there are significant emotional and physical benefits gained by spending time in nature? Connecting with nature is especially important for our well-being as we age, which provides us benefits for both the body and mind.
Studies have shown that for older adults, exposure to nature helps improve sleep patterns and reduces anxiety and improves cognitive functioning. Simply put, spending time in nature helps us feel healthier and happier, and supports our health systems as we age.
“Overall people with more green space in their environment feel healthier, have experienced a lower number of health complaints… and lower propensity for psychiatric morbidity” (NIVEL (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research)
This preventative health tradition originated in Japan and has been used for decades to support healthy balance as lives have become busier: it is called forest bathing. Defined as the simple and therapeutic act of spending time in a forest for health-boosting benefits, shinrin-yoku or ‘forest bathing’ is widely adopted in Japanese culture.
- When you walk through a forest, you breathe in phytoncides which are natural oils released by the trees. – Dr. Li (PubMed)
These natural, volatile compounds are what give trees and forests their characteristic woodsy scent, and with antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties, they also act as the defense mechanism for the trees against bacteria, insects and fungi. Hinoki, Cedar, Oak, Pine and Spruce are just some of the trees to release the aromatic compounds, which include alpha-pinene and d-limonen.
These natural, volatile compounds are what give trees and forests their characteristic woodsy scent, and with antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, they also act as the defense mechanism for the trees against bacteria, insects and fungi. Hinoki, Cedar, Oak, Pine and Spruce are just some of the trees to release the aromatic compounds, which include alpha-pinene and d-limonen.
The effect of essential oils from trees on human immune function. A forest bathing trip involves visiting a forest for relaxation and recreation while breathing in volatile substances, called phytoncides (wood essential oils), which are antimicrobial volatile organic compounds derived from trees. Breathing in these compounds helps bring down stress levels and therefore can increase the immune function We rely on doTERRA pure therapeutic grade essential oils in the diffuser to support us on busy days where we have no time to go for a walk in the forest, or when the weather is not cooperating! Try our favorite essential oil blend in your diffuser at home to achieve the same health benefits of a walk in the forest!
