WHY IS BEING IN NATURE SUCH A POWERFUL DE-STRESSOR?

There are times of year when being outdoors feels almost irresistible. The weather is kind, the days are longer, and it seems a shame to stay inside. And despite the effort it can take to get out of the door, most of us instinctively know that spending time in nature makes us feel better. Children seem to gain endless energy outdoors, while adults often find it easier to slow down and switch off. For those who live or work in busy, urban environments, escaping to somewhere green can bring an immediate sense of relief — away from traffic, noise, and screens, and surrounded instead by fresh air, birdsong, and natural scents.

But is this “feel-good factor” simply subjective, or is there something deeper going on?

A very good excuse

If you’re looking for permission to plan a countryside walk, a park visit, or even a weekend away, here it is. Spending time in nature has been widely studied and shown to support both physical and mental wellbeing.

In Japan, significant research has been carried out into Shinrin-yoku, often translated as forest bathing. Despite the name, it doesn’t involve immersion in water — it simply means being present in a natural, wooded environment. There’s no goal to achieve, no distance to cover. You might walk slowly, sit quietly, read, or simply breathe and notice what’s around you.

Research suggests that time spent in these environments is associated with:

• Lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone)

• Reduced heart rate and blood pressure

• Decreased activity in the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) nervous system

• Increased activity in the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) system

In short, the body shifts into a calmer, more restorative state.

Why does nature have this effect?

One fascinating area of research relates to compounds called phytoncides — natural substances released by trees and plants to protect themselves from insects and disease. When we spend time in forested environments, we inhale small amounts of these compounds.

Studies suggest that phytoncides may support immune function by influencing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which play a role in the body’s defence against viruses and abnormal cells. While this research is still evolving, it offers an intriguing insight into how closely human health may be linked to the natural world.

Alongside this, the overall sensory experience of nature plays a powerful role. Natural light, greenery, flowing water, and organic sounds all contribute to nervous system regulation. Together, they help us slow down, settle, and reset.

Little and often

The encouraging news is that you don’t need to spend hours in the wilderness to feel the benefits. Regular, shorter periods in nature appear to be just as valuable — and far more achievable for many of us.

A walk in the park, eating lunch outdoors, an evening picnic, or simply sitting among trees for a few quiet moments can all make a difference. Longer trips and countryside escapes can deepen the effect, but even brief contact with green spaces supports wellbeing.

So if spending time in nature is accessible, enjoyable, and free, perhaps the real question is: what’s stopping us?

Whether it’s a quick visit to a local park or plans for a longer break, time in nature is something we owe to ourselves — and often to our families too. Sometimes, the most effective way to de-stress is simply to step outside and reconnect with the world beyond our walls.