New research reveals how 'stress-busting power' of nature brings emotional balance and well-being to humans

Originally shared by Ward Plunet

New research reveals how 'stress-busting power' of nature brings emotional balance and well-being to humans

Spending time in woodland regulates human emotions and the heart helping to restore a healthy balance when compared to time in urban environments, according to new research. An analysis carried out by a team of researchers from the University of Derby and the University of Cardiff confirms the restorative power of nature and provides a new explanation of the links between time in nature, our emotions, our bodies and health. The team examined the impact natural and urban environments has on the heart and discovered that nature regulates heart rhythms, linking time in woodland with positive changes in the body. Dr Miles Richardson, Head of Psychology at the University of Derby, said: "We're excited about this research as it brings together previous work in order to explain how nature regulates emotions and the heart and shows spending time in nature positively changes our health and well-being through helping balance the feelings of threat, drive and contentment we experience each day.

link: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-09-reveals-stress-busting-power-nature-emotional.html