I already discussed the benefits of grounding in a previous post but I just find peace when I am out in nature. The noise quiets down—not just around me, but inside me too. It’s like my nervous system finally let’s go. And over the past couple of years, as I’ve gotten deeper into healing the body and mind, I’ve realized: nature isn’t just a nice place to be. It’s medicine. Real, measurable, science-backed, soul-nourishing medicine.
The Japanese Secret: Shinrin-Yoku (a.k.a. Forest Bathing)
In Japan, they have a term I love: Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to forest bathing. Not bathing in a forest, but immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the woods—breathing it in, slowing down, connecting.
Japanese researchers have been studying the effects of forest bathing since the 1980s. The results? Wildly impressive. A walk through the forest has been shown to:
✅ Lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels
✅ Reduce blood pressure
✅ Improve sleep
✅ Boost the immune system (natural killer cell activity goes up—think of it as your body’s elite defense squad)
✅ And even increase feelings of vitality and creativity
It’s not a placebo either. Trees release phytoncides—natural oils with antibacterial and antifungal properties that, when inhaled, have a direct calming and immune-boosting effect on the human body (Li, 2010).
📚 Citation:
Li, Q. (2010). Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 15(1), 9–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-008-0068-3
The View That Heals: Nature in Hospitals
This blew my mind: a study by Roger Ulrich in 1984 found that patients recovering from surgery in hospital rooms with a view of nature (trees, not brick walls) healed faster and needed less pain medication. That’s before we even get into adding actual plants into the room.
📚 Citation:
Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420–421. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.6143402
More recent research backs it up. Hospitals that integrate greenery—whether it’s plants in rooms, green roofs, or just access to a garden—see improvements in:
• Patient recovery times
• Mood and emotional well-being
• Lower rates of anxiety and depression
• Even reduced need for painkillers
A 2009 review found that interaction with indoor plants improved patients’ physiological responses—reducing fatigue, anxiety, and pain perception.
📚 Citation:
Park, S. H., & Mattson, R. H. (2009). Ornamental indoor plants in hospital rooms enhanced health outcomes of patients recovering from surgery. HortTechnology, 19(3), 563–568. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.19.3.563
That’s right. A simple spider plant might just be doing more for healing than some pharmaceuticals without the side effects.
Nature: The Original Therapist, Gym, and Life Coach
Whether it’s walking barefoot on the grass (hello, grounding), breathing in the forest air, or simply staring at the ocean, nature has a way of putting things back in place—physically, emotionally, spiritually.
When I’m out in nature, the solutions come more easily. My body feels lighter. My breath deepens. And life just… makes more sense.
In a world constantly pulling us into distraction and stress, getting back into nature isn’t a luxury. It’s a return to something essential. It’s coming home.
My personal favorites:
Public parks with lots of trees and greenery
Beaches. If I can swim in the ocean that’s a major bonus. At least let the feet dip a bit.
Hot springs: We got plenty here in Iceland. Bonus if in middle of a quite forest.
Hidden hiking paths with few people
If you’re ever feeling off—mentally, physically, emotionally—try this: put your phone away, step outside, and let nature do her thing. Science supports it. Your body will thank you
