We would all benefit a great deal if we made a more concerted effort to leave our urban dwellings and spend time in nature.

There are a plethora of studies out there revealing the psychological benefits of nature. All of the research points to the fact that the closer we are to nature, the happier we feel. In essence, nature is a powerful anti-depressant.

One study, conducted by scientists at Chiba University in Japan, monitored the effects of a Japanese practice known as “Shinrin-yoku,” which means forest-bathing.

The study involved field experiments in 24 forests across Japan, with 280 participants in total. In each experiment, the scientists would send one half of the participants into the woods, and the other half into a city. The next day, those who spent time in the woods would be sent into a city and vice versa.

At the end of it all, the scientists found those who spent their day in forests had “lower concentrations of cortisol, lower pulse rate and lower blood pressure.”

In other words, participants were decidedly less stressed when they were in nature as opposed to an urban environment. So, if you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, go for a walk in the woods, it will boost your mood.

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