The role of contact with nature in regulating health

Increased urbanisation has been associated with significant changes in the physical and mental health of the population. Life in urban contexts, marked by accelerated rhythms, continuous exposure to artificial stimuli and less contact with natural environments, can contribute to higher levels of stress, fatigue and functional imbalances.

Human beings have evolved in close relationship with nature. Over the course of some 200,000 years, the human organism has developed in natural environments, regulated by cycles of light and darkness, temperature variations and seasonal patterns linked to cultivation and harvesting. This prolonged relationship has moulded our biology and our adaptation mechanisms.

Despite profound cultural and technological transformations, the body retains many of the adaptive characteristics developed in this context. Human physiology remains sensitive to natural stimuli, even when modern lifestyles significantly reduce contact with them. Nowadays, contact with nature tends to be seen mainly as leisure or entertainment, when from a health point of view it can play a relevant regulatory role.

As far back as antiquity, Hippocrates, In his article, “The Environment”, considered to be the Father of Medicine, recognised the influence of the environment on health by referring to the importance of "air, water and places" for physical and mental well-being. This perspective anticipates the current realisation that the environmental context plays an important role in regulating the body and maintaining health.

Nature and physiological response

Exposure to natural environments involves the body in a variety of stimuli, such as uneven surfaces, variations in light, natural sounds and changes in temperature. These stimuli activate adaptive mechanisms that can contribute to the regulation of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems. Walking on nature trails, for example, requires greater motor coordination and postural adjustment, stimulating physical endurance and functional capacity.

Exposure to sunlight is associated with the synthesis of vitamin D, which is important for bone health and various hormonal processes. These effects reflect the way in which the natural environment interacts with human physiology in an integrated way.

Impact on mental and emotional health

In addition to the physical effects, contact with nature has been associated with mental health benefits. Studies indicate that walking in natural environments can contribute to a reduction in mental health problems. stress and anxiety, promoting a greater sense of calm and recovery. The presence of natural stimuli also seems to favour attention, creativity and the ability to concentrate, particularly in contexts of cognitive overload.

In today's society, despite advances in medicine, automation and the greater availability of resources, there is often an intensification of the stress, associated with constant pressure, time fragmentation and information overload. This context makes it even more important to look for strategies that favour the regulation of the nervous system on a daily basis.

Shinrin-yoku and scientific evidence

One of the most studied practices in this area is the Shinrin-yoku, Forest bathing is an approach developed in Japan that consists of conscious exposure to forest environments, using all five senses. This practice is based on the idea that attentive contact with the forest can support physical and mental regulation processes.

Various scientific studies have analysed the effects of Shinrin-yoku. Research carried out in forest environments has shown associations with lower cortisol levels, reduced heart rate and blood pressure, as well as greater activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, associated with states of rest and recovery. More recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest benefits in terms of stress, mood, sleep, blood pressure and immune function markers.

These effects should not be seen as substitutes for medical care, but as potential contributions in the context of an integrated approach to health.

Forms of contact with nature

Contact with nature can take different forms, from walking in forest environments, parks or coastal areas, to simpler practices such as observing natural landscapes.

Direct contact with natural surfaces such as earth, grass, sand or seawater is a practice known as grounding and can contribute to greater body perception. From a physiological point of view grounding has been associated with less hyperactive states of the nervous system and can support relaxation and regulation processes. In addition, direct contact with the ground involves continuous sensory stimuli and subtle postural adjustments, which can favour sensory-motor integration and body stability.

Understanding contact with nature from an integrative perspective

Integrating contact with nature into everyday life can support physical and mental health, contributing to the reduction of stress, improving emotional well-being and supporting cognitive functions. More than an isolated solution, it is an element that can complement other self-care practices, respecting each person's individuality and life context.

Nature is an accessible and present resource, the conscious integration of which can favour the body's self-regulation processes and a more balanced relationship with the environment and with itself.