Trinity Behavioral Health

This month we’re focusing on Mental Health and Getting Back to Nature. There’s no denying the many benefits of spending time outdoors in Nature. But, with the current situation, everyone is facing around the world, there will be some who see venturing out as a ‘risky endeavor.’ So over the course of this week, we’re going to examine the benefits, concerns, and views around how mental and behavioral health can be enhanced, bettered, and reenforced by spending some time in Nature.

Right off the bat, let’s address the “elephant-in-the-room” – SARS-CoV-2 or, better known as “COVID-19.” As we continue to face a world dominated by information, news, allegations, political jockeying, sensationalism, and misinformation – on all sides of the topic – surrounding this virus, we know one thing to be absolutely certain … our mental health has taken a dramatic and detrimental hit because of it.

The vast majority of immunologists, virologists, and geneticists agree that Coronavirus has always been around – and COVID-19 is something that we will have to live with forever. It is never going to go away. There will be variants, new strains, changes in intensity … but … most scientists and doctors studying the virus agree, that it is here to stay. That being said, increasing research and reliable data shows that proper care, natural immunity, and immunity therapy treatments will lessen the effects and dramatically mitigate terminal cases of infection. Included in that proper care, is a positive mental outlook and spending time outdoors in Nature.

Think back to the last time you went outside to enjoy and bask in the sunshine. The smile that came across your face as you soaked in that energy. Think back to the last time you took a walk in the park or down a wooded trail. Remember the last time you stopped and listened to the birds singing outside or watched bees buzzing around some flowers. If you pause for a moment, and intently remember those events, you’ll remember the sense of serenity and joy that you felt. The calm and connected emotions that washed over you. The peace of Nature.

It is universally acknowledged that we live in a world moving too fast for our minds to adjust to. Today’s society is too stressed, too busy, too quick-to-judge, too focused on “Likes” and “Selfies,” too wrapped up in who’s-doing-what and Celebrity. We post – oftentimes – fake photos of us living our best life (… look, if it takes more than two attempts to get the perfect photo, you’re faking it …), we posture about where to be seen, and we are petrified to leave the house without our phones. All of this is a detriment to our emotional, mental, and behavioral health. Evolutionists and sociologists will tell you that it is not our natural state. In short, we’ve lost touch with something essential to wellbeing – communion with Nature.

Now, before you roll your eyes and think, “… here we go, another tree-hugger …,” what we’re saying is there is a direct scientific correlation between mental health in humans and connection with Nature. Dr. Yoshifumi Miyazaki is the author of the book, ‘Shinrin Yoku’ and is a leading researcher in the links between modern man, nature, and the mental health connection. His research has shown that being in Nature – especially forest environments – has a positive effect on our stress reduction levels. He calls the results of his research, Forest Therapy – although the direct translation to English calls it, “Forest Bathing.” (Japanese doesn’t always translate well to our English hearing ears.)

Dr. Yoshifumi Miyazaki states that the three major global trends of our time are urbanization, stress, and the rise and influence of digital technology in our daily lives. Getting outside, however briefly, is a powerful antidote to all three, as it allows us to “lower our base state.” Being outside makes us happier, less stressed, more creative, and more socially connected. It can improve short-term memory and focus, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, fight against anxiety and depression, and boost our overall immune systems. Plus, access to fresh air and natural light supports healthier respiratory function and more balanced circadian rhythms, supporting better, deeper sleep. People who exercise outside report feeling happier, more confident, and more energetic than those who opt to exercise indoors.

As this week of attention to mental health continues, we will be posting and presenting additional articles and contacts for everyone who has questions or is suffering the impacts of situations associated with Mental and Behavioral Health struggles.

In the attached article, Dr. Miyazaki Yoshifumi discusses the Healing Power of the Forest and how he came to see Nature as a component of good mental health and relaxation.

Miyazaki Yoshifumi Explores the Healing Power of the Forest Shinrin-yoku, literally “forest bathing,” is a Japanese term that means relaxing in the forest to improve health. The term was first coined in the 1980s, but is now attracting increasing attention around the world. Miyazaki Yoshifumi has been researching shinrin-yoku for three decades and is the...