By Laurie Lyon

It’s a sad fact: Americans spend around 90 percent of their time indoors—far more than our ancestors did even 100 years ago. But separating ourselves from the natural world too often and for too long has come at a tremendous cost to our physical, mental, and emotional health. Recognizing this, astute physicians in developed countries have begun to write “green prescriptions” for patients who could benefit from regular exposure to natural environments. 

For many, the prescription has paid off in improved health.

An idea that originated in Japan in the 1980s to reconnect people with their natural surroundings and enhance their physical and mental health has become popular in many parts of the world as “forest bathing”—immersing oneself in heavily foliaged areas and drinking in the health-promoting atmosphere that only trees and plants can provide.

Evergreens and oak trees are especially good at emitting phytoncides—essential oils that form part of the trees’ immune system—into the air. Inhaling these can boost our own immune system by spiking the activity of the cells that help ward off disease and producing antioxidant effects in the body. Many of these beneficial chemicals can reduce cortisol, a stress hormone, and can alleviate inflammation, anxiety, depression, and pain. They can even calm the nervous system and improve sleep quality.

Encountering phytoncides is only one of the positive effects of being immersed in nature. Contact with the outdoor microbiome, improved air quality, exposure to health-promoting wavelengths of light, and simply absorbing nature’s sights and sounds can help round out the benefits of being outdoors. These elements can work in symphony to leave you feeling happier and more relaxed, focused, and energetic.

Here are a few tips to upgrade your connection with the natural world:

1. Set aside time each day to get outdoors in a natural setting with trees and plants. Make it a habit. If you work in an urban setting, seek out a green space—even a small one—in which to take a walk or sit and enjoy your lunch. While exercising surrounded by evergreen trees produces a greater boost to your immune system, relaxing in the shade in your own backyard can result in improved health also.
   
   
2. Hike in forests or other heavily treed areas as often as possible. Rally a friend or family member to accompany you and enjoy the boost in health together.
   
   
3. As you experience the natural world, commune with your Creator. Praise Him for the beauty surrounding you. Contemplate Bible passages that relate to nature—such as many of the psalms and parables of Jesus.

Remember our original occupation? At the beginning of our world, “the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Even before mankind fell, the perfect environment for us was to be immersed in the soothing tranquility of nature. In our frantic, peace-eclipsing, fallen world, how much more do we need it now?