Let’s recover!

Research shows that forests have healing and reviving properties. Sit down for a moment, watch the urban and forest landscapes change on the video, and examine how they affect your heartrate!

The natural environment has a different effect on people than the urban environment. Forests have a calming effect, they refresh and relax us, and they reduce stress. Being in the forest lowers people’s heart rate, muscle tension and stress hormone levels to a greater extent and faster than in the city. Forests enhance positive emotional states and improve one’s concentration and performance. These positive physiological and psychological changes are called recovery. Recovery – escaping life’s daily hustle and bustle – is an important reason why many people spend time in the forest. Studies show that forests can also have a healing effect: simply looking at a nature-themed photograph or video can be refreshing and even boost a patient’s recovery from surgery!

(Video: Hyvän mielen metsäkävely (Feel-good forest walk)/MIELI Mental Health Finland)