Finnish environmental psychologist Kirsi Salonen explained in a local radio interview today how nature improves our well being. We need green environments even if we are not consciously aware of their positive effects. Green surroundings relieve stress and heighten our spirits.
We in Finland have easy access to forest. Forest are omnipresent, even in the capital area. But you don't need wild nature to feel better. Parks, indoor plants, and even photos of trees can be relaxing, as Kirsi Salonen points out.
Salonen is worried about the tendency to build very densely. She suggests that everyone should have trees within a walking distance. Great advice to city planners!
Nature is not just visual. Even smells of plants de-stress and relax. A seven year project by researchers at The University of Queensland in Australia developed Serenascent, a spray that smells like freshly cut grass.
Dr Lavidis of the research team said he first had the idea for Serenascent on a memorable trip to Yosemite National Park in America. "Three days in the park felt like a three-month holiday," he said. "I didn't realise at the time that it was the actual combination of feel good chemicals released by the pine trees, the lush vegetation and the cut grass that made me feel so relaxed."
“Years later my neighbour commented on the wonderful smell of cut grass after I had mowed the lawn and it all started to click into place."
“Bad stress is chronic stress and is associated with an increase in blood pressure, forgetfulness and a weakening of the immune system,” says Dr Lavidis. The aroma of Serenascent works directly on the brain, in particular the emotional and memory parts known as the amygdala and the hippocampus.
Photo: Aarni Heiskanen
