Research clearly shows that physical environments can have an impact our well-being.
In one study, hospital patients whose recovery rooms faced a brick wall took on average one to two days longer to recover, took more pain killers and showed more signs of depression compared to patients in the same hospital who faced a park with trees.
This would suggest that nature can have a buffering effect in times of physical and psychological distress. It would seem that environments that have views or elements of trees, flowers, mountains and rivers can restore health and balance in the body.
It is understood that nature is calming and demands very little attention, alertness or stress in humans.
In stark contrast is everyday modern-living with its architecture, noise and activity we are forced (and do not necessarily choose) to endure by just being close or part of it.
Offset the damages of involuntary stress by having plants or pictures of nature in your home and work space, and find opportunities to relax and connect with nature as often as possible.
This could also be achieved as easily as using a natural scent in your home, or watching television programmes about nature instead of human drama.
