This morning, my Friend and colleague, Phil, sent this a memo with an accumulation of “healing nature” material he collected:
“Human evolutionists wonder about how the sense of beauty evolved in our species. I suspect that it probably did not evolve de novo with body painting for example, but working on the idea that the roots had something to do with the ways that our ancestors earlier related to nature and developed emotional connectedness to their environments. Would be a digression to go into details for this note.
I had not known in any event that there was a recent international study as this article discusses. This article refers to that and I thought I would share so long as I have it in front of me right now.
So anyway, onward, and to give more context briefly —-
Studies trying to break down nature preferences into components go back decades. There was a whole department organized around this at the University of Madrid. It was aimed in part at developing better land-use programs, and improving the design of human habitats. It was even studying recovery times in hospitals depending on views from windows, pictures on walls, companion animals etc. FWISW I was on the board of a companion animal and health study program at the U of Minnesota, etc.
Anyway. I have just now been discovering the remarkably high quality of the current generation of nature-relaxation videos on YouTube lately as I wait for Spring to come to Toronto. It has become a sophisticated industry. You can even google and get some information on their business models and how the scientific data help them to sell to various other industries because for example it helps to increase worker productivity. Some comments argue that this is a significant transformative factor for our society. I think the research could qualify as Science for the People, but then too industry is finding ways to endorse and use it.
Anyway friends, I won’t burden you with all the links that I am finding. If anyone is really interested in pursuing the academic side of this there is a a lot of information — and many of the newer youtube videos are stunning and free to watch!!.
Also eyeopening. I am watching now a drone flying slowly over Croatia while relaxation sounds play and as I sip my morning coffee. Who knew Croatia could be so beautiful?!
Maybe some of you know someone who might be interested in brushing up for one reason or another and will pass it along. Maybe even friends with interests in “science and art” connections, “poetry and nature” connections, nature in literature, etc. Academic implications go out in all directions. Yet more room for research.
And then of course there is simple pleasure in finding some youtube videos that work for one’s individual tastes and sitting back and relaxing with them.Maybe some of you have friends that actually do take time to smell the flowers and might find something interesting in these media developments, if not in the science.
Phil
How Nature Videos Heal (Videos, Studies & Articles)
Studies on the Power of Nature:
Nature Relaxation videos linked to Lowered Stress, Anxiety, and Boosted Moods in Seniors (study)
November 27, 2017 – A new 2017 study conducted by Lori Reynolds, an Occupational Therapist and Gerontologist which has recently been published provides clinical evidence of the positive benefits which viewing nature films provides.
SUMMARY: Individuals with dementia often experience feelings of anxiety and agitation that are stressful, and can be difficult for their caregivers. Results from an initial study on the virtual nature experience (pictured below), shows that in as little as 10 minutes of being in the virtual nature experience residents experienced:
–> A lower heart rate- indicating less stress.
–> Increased pleasure, with residents saying “I can look at this and never get tired of it” and “I feel fantastic.”
–> Reduced anxiety levels.
More information about Lori Reynold’s wellness services at: https://www.independentbydesign.co/
July 8th 2017: BBC Study Shows that Viewing Nature Documentaries Makes You Happier (Study)
Synopsis: BBC Earth, the BBC’s global factual brand, has today published findings of an international study titled The Real Happiness Project showing nature programming’s direct impact on the mood and wellbeing of its viewers The research, conducted with Professor Dacher Keltner, an expert in the science of emotion at the University of California, Berkeley, confirms that even short engagement with such shows leads to significant increases in positive emotions including awe, contentedness, joy and amusement. The study also found substantial decreases in emotions such as nervousness, anxiety, fear, stress and tiredness. Read & learn more. (Study)
Books on the Power of Nature:
Book & Studies: Your Brain On Nature
SYNOPSIS / EXCERPT:
“The brain is absolutely influenced by Nature, and it is no longer an option to write off the philosophers and poets as mere romantic dreamers. The results of the investigations revisited in this [chapter; book; Your Brain on Nature] should serve as a wake up call for all of us. The mortality [and vitality] of individuals, nations, and even the planet itself is dependent upon the recognition and acceptance that Nature is a part of us. Our perception of stress- our mental state; our immunity, our happiness, and our resiliency- is chemically influenced by the nervous system and it’s response to Nature.”
––page 33 – by Eva Selhub and Alan Logan
ABOUT: A wonderful synopsis of multiple scientific studies which have proven that nature and nature videos can have remarkable benefits for human health. Natural environments are more likely to promote positive emotions, and viewing and walking in nature have been associated with heightened physical and mental energy. Nature has also been found to have a positive impact on children who have been diagnosed with impulsivity, hyperactivity and attention-deficit disorder.”
Get this book
Videos & Talks about Nature
How Nature and Forests Heal: A Short Film
ABOUT: “This is a film about forests; it is also a film about you. One cannot always escape the ups and downs of life, but one can always find calm and comfort in Nature. The path of healing lies inside you…and when you can learn carry the forest with you, you are always home and your healing has begun.” Healing Forest is a journey to discover the magical healing powers of nature. It discusses how Nature can help us fight the growing epidemics of Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and more.
Learn more: How Forests Heal People from Nitin Das on Vimeo. Learn more on their website at HealingForest.org
Your Brain on Nature – National Geographic Talk:
Description: Marine biologist and Nature Relaxation™ partner Tierney Thys, inventor Tan Le, and forest ecologist Nalini Nadkarni delve into the inner workings of our brains to figure out the science behind nature’s health effects, and how we can enhance those benefits. Learn more on their website at http://neurobiophilia.org/
Nature RX – A Parody Drug Commercial
Learn More About Nature Relaxation
View the Official Nature Relaxation Brand Commercial:
For more compelling videos and articles about Nature Relaxation, visit our blog and also read over 500 personalized customer testimonials.
*This statement has not been analyzed by the FDA and should not be used for medical advice.
