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GREEN D-STRESS

How and why to rely on the virtues of forests

Forests have always aroused both fear and curiosity.

However, the proliferation of outdoor activities in recent years has led many people to renew their contact with nature.

Forests may be an ideal place for physical activity, but they are much more than that:

• They provide soothing tranquillity and help combat stress, as do the many plants that populate them or abound in the forest fringes.

• They guarantee oxygen-enriched air, and under the effect of the sun, some of this forest oxygen is converted into ozone by solar ultraviolet rays; ozone is a gas with disinfectant properties.

• They provide air rich in essential oils and phytoncides (antibiotic molecules secreted by trees to combat their pathogens), whose effects on health are well known. In our experimental plantations in Madagascar, many species of essential oil-producing trees, bushes and herbs are present.

• There are also microclimates where, thanks to the buffering effect of the forest or particular relief, temperature ranges are milder than elsewhere.

But that's not all, and there are many other topics to be discussed, such as biophilia, man's innate affinity for living organisms and natural systems, and aromatherapy: plants, which formed the basis of the pharmacopoeia of ancient civilizations, still form the basis of the pharmacopoeia of forest peoples, and many people today tend to believe once again in the power of plants.

So why not turn to the forest for its beneficial effects :

• • • Stress relief
    • Boosting immunity
    • Vitality and radiance
    • Work on yourself
    • Confidence-building

Forests and health

As direct sources of nutritious food and medicinal plants, forests help sterilize water, contribute to the availability of fresh water, soil fertility and biodiversity, and, through related activities, help reduce stress, anxiety and mental health problems.

Directly or indirectly, therefore, they have a beneficial impact on the health of populations, which may vary according to region or location of forests in relation to humans.

Communities living in or near forests, often poor, benefit from a wide variety of nutrient-rich forest products (fruits, nuts, seeds, leaves, honey, mushrooms, meat and even insects) as well as a formidable reserve of medicinal plants, knowledge of which is an important part of traditional health care. According to the WHO - 80% of the world's population depends on them.

Among these populations, forest degradation and deforestation have been shown to cause mental health problems.

And although the forests of these developing countries play a major role in the growth of pharmaceutical laboratories, supplying two-thirds of the plants used by modern medical systems, these are massively distributed in the countries of transformation rather than those of origin.

In urbanized and/or industrialized areas, direct consumption of forest products also contributes to people's health. However, their beneficial effects are reduced by urbanization, which is characterized by a very high consumption of processed foods and sugar, combined with a lack of physical exercise, thus contributing to the rise in obesity and various diseases.

Nevertheless, urban or peri-urban forests, thanks to recreational activities, pollution mitigation or heat reduction, contribute to offering preventive effects on health.

Lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, reduced cortisol levels, impact on the sympathetic nervous system (which prepares the body for action) and the parasympathetic nervous system (which prevents overwork by calming the body), there's growing evidence that exposure to the forest not only increases physical well-being, but also social and cultural well-being. What better way to feel healthy?

Erosion of forests benefits ?

Deforestation, climate change, urbanization and economic growth are the enemies of rural populations; Reducing land availability and access to forest products, as well as increasing incomes and the consumption of high-calorie foods to the detriment of traditional diets, these factors, which are responsible for growing obesity and the resulting onset of disease, are at the root of imbalances in forest ecosystems, favoring changes in the abundance or spread of species and consequently of pathogenic diseases negatively impacting ecosystems or humans.

‘Forest well-being’ or 'Green D-Stress'

The forest is one of the best natural remedies for eliminating stress and getting back on track by enjoying the soothing benefits of trees.

Native American populations, for whom a close relationship with nature was an art of living, are undoubtedly the most respectful preceptors of this art.

Since the second half of the 19th century, doctors and foresters have joined forces to promote the benefits of forests, particularly in cases of tuberculosis.

But people don't go to the forest just for medicinal or preventive purposes (bark, leaves) or to remedy various personal problems; many go for recreational or instructive purposes, for creative purposes (painting, photography), for sporting purposes (walking, running, cycling, horse-riding, etc.), or even for culinary purposes (picking fruit, mushrooms, leaves, berries, etc.).

Stepping into a forest, even if only a few dozen meters, makes you realize that its edge is in fact a veritable noise barrier, beyond which a different world of freshness, visual and olfactory sensations and quietude opens the door to self-analysis, reflection and relaxation.

Taking care of your mental and physical health

Walking, at any pace, and even more so in an ocean of tranquility, is a way of practicing a physical activity that offers an opportunity for close connection with nature, which helps to clear the mind, meditate, refocus on oneself, on the present moment and thus reduce the stress imposed by today's society.

Time spent in nature's calm not only promotes mental well-being. It also exposes people to natural light - essential for the production of vitamin D, on which immune functions depend - which increases serotonin levels in the brain and releases endorphins, helping to regulate mood at the expense of malaise or depression.

Known as the 'happy hormone', serotonin is a pleasant feeling associated with inspiring a kind of awe following the achievement of something, while endorphins are the euphoria masking physical pain.

Any physical activity that helps you exercise is likely to stimulate the quality of your sleep, and therefore benefit from a more restful night's sleep. It can also increase heart rate and improve blood circulation, as well as helping to lower or maintain good blood pressure.

In addition, fresh air or environments bathed in essential oils (resinous forests) are likely to act on lung capacity and respiratory health.

If walking is a little more dynamic, it can help develop the strength and endurance of certain muscles, particularly those in the legs; carrying a backpack, moreover, helps maintain and develop bone density and keep the skeleton in good condition, while venturing onto uneven terrain, requiring stability and frequent rebalancing, helps maintain mobility and tissue stability, leading to reduced stiffness, particularly in the joints.

Enjoying nature and physical exercise on a regular basis enables you to endure these activities without feeling tired, and to optimize your immune system, helping your body to resist disease.

Increasing energy levels by strengthening muscles and stimulating the cardiovascular system, this regular activity generates perspiration - an essential function in the elimination of toxins - and helps to improve both fitness and health.

It is also associated with improved digestion.

Regularly linked with the improvement of cognitive functions such as memory and problem-solving ability, physical and sporting activity helps to gain a greater understanding and recognition of one's abilities by developing self-esteem.

Studies have shown that spending time in nature and getting away from one's usual surroundings can stimulate creativity, with soothing, inspiring landscapes generally leading to clear, positive thinking and the ability to solve problems creatively.

These escapades, offering the opportunity to meet new people or develop deeper friendships, can also promote social activity and contribute to personal well-being by combating any feelings of loneliness.

 

Finally, any physical activity that stimulates the metabolism helps burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. If an active metabolism is essential for maintaining energy levels and good health, paying attention to your diet to provide the energy your body needs to function properly has a direct influence on your nutritional health.