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Friday, June 13, 2025 | By: Lois Hall Photography
Nature has an incredible ability to rejuvenate and heal our minds, bodies, and spirits. Among the most serene and restorative environments are the woodlands, where towering trees, soft moss, and gentle rustling leaves create a harmonious escape from our busy lives. The therapeutic benefits of immersing ourselves in nature and the vibrant ecosystems that thrive beneath the canopy are truly amazing.
By simply seeking out nature whether it is your local city park, or the state and national parks near you, studies have shown that just 20 minutes of being in nature can lower stress related hormones like cortisol by 20% and can alleviate depression/anxiety levels as well. Studies have also shown that trees naturally emit phytoncides (Chemicals that can enhance the activity of Natural Killer Cells which can boost your immune system). Activities like walking barefoot outside on green grass or strolling on a beach also have been shown to help reduce inflammation, improve sleep and relieve stress (called grounding or earthing). how cool is it that by connecting with nature can lessen the need for manmade medicine!
These benefits are enough to make anyone want to appreciate and experience the natural world around us as much as possible. It is one of the biggest reasons I focus mainly on photographing the natural world. Each place I get to explore and capture through my lens never ceases to fill me with awe at the beauty and resilience of nature. I leave you with one (and there are many) of my favorite shots taken a few years ago in Bankhead National Forest. As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments.
Sources for info on health benefits
https://frontiersin.org Frontiers in Psychology
https//pmc,ncbi.nlm.nih.gov National Institute for Health
HCA Midwest Health.com
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