One surprising finding is that you don’t even have to be there to see an effect, explains Peter Mayer, Head of the Federal Research Center for Forests (BFW): “Even the anticipation of going into the forest has a motivating or decelerating effect. And even short visits to the forest have an effect. “
Pictures of the forest that are hanging in hospitals, for example, could have a positive effect on patient recovery. The view from the hospital room of a forest is just as helpful. If there is no forest available, a park is also an alternative. Slowing down, peace and quiet, good air and positive memories, for example of childhood, make a visit to the forest an effective short break from hectic everyday life. It can also alleviate anxiety disorders or depression. But not every forest is equally suitable for this. “Lighter forests with open spaces and streams have a positive effect on us. In a dark forest, on the other hand, human fears can arise,” says Mayer.
Learn to feel yourself again
In addiction therapy, they work together with the Anton Proksch Institute in Vienna. For two years there were forest walks with addicts here. People with addiction problems in particular have forgotten how to feel themselves. On the forest walk, addicts would get to know the forest and themselves anew, explains Dominik Mühlberger from the BFW. Studies indicate that the forest stimulates movement, that it has a positive effect on the psyche and that it lowers the level of stress.
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
