Trees, Air, and What We Cannot See

“Nature grounds us, restores our sense of wonder, and invites us to reconnect with ourselves in a way few other enviorments can”
- C. L. Saunders

When people describe walking into a forest, they often say, “I can finally breathe.”

There is science behind that instinct.

Trees release organic compounds called phytoncides. Phytoncides are antimicrobial oils that protect plants from insects and disease. Research from Japan’s Nippon Medical School studying Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) found that inhaling these compounds is associated with reduced cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and improved mood.

In a 2010 study, participants who walked in forest environments showed significantly lower stress hormone levels compared to those walking in urban settings. They also reported reduced anxiety and anger.

Even more striking: natural killer (NK) cell activity (part of the immune system) increased after forest exposure and remained elevated for several days.

The air is chemically different.

And the body responds accordingly.

Depression and chronic stress are increasingly linked to inflammation. Forest environments appear to reduce physiological stress markers that contribute to that inflammatory load.

This is not just psychological relief.

It is systemic.

When people say nature feels “cleansing,” they may be sensing subtle shifts in breathing depth, oxygen intake, and muscle relaxation.

Between trees, space expands.

Shoulders lower.

Breathing deepens without instruction.

Journal Prompts

If you are so inclined ... writing about your emotions and needs has been proven to be beneficial in helping to gain peace and alleviate stress. There’s no right way to answer.

When do I feel most constricted in my breathing?

What natural environments feel expansive rather than enclosed?

Videos & Books

If quiet moments might help you reset, or if you are unable to get to a natural setting, here are some YouTube channels focused on nature, including my own, The Nature Break. Also included are some books on the benefits and beauty of nature.

YouTube Nature Channels:

• Relaxing Sounds of Nature: Forest and field footage with natural sounds. Longer format videos.

• The Nature Break: Nature walks set to quiet music, short duration 2- 4 minutes

Books:

• Why We Need Nature by Roger Ulrich

• Earth Prayers by Elizabeth Roberts & Elias Amidon

Featured Video:

Please enjoy this video from the Nature Break…

Comments

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