There's a simple way to reduce stress and boost your immunity - get out in nature, take a walk in the woods or in a park and even just look at trees and plants.
Taking just 20 - 30 minutes to stroll or sit in a place where you feel in contact with nature, significantly lowers your stress levels and the levels of stress hormones in your body.
Time in the woods has measurable benefits to your health.
Reduced mental fatigue and improved memory
Improved mood and self-esteem
Boost to the immune system helping to fight off coughs, colds and flu.
Increased ability to cope with pain
Better cardiovascular health
And of course, a reduction in stress and the indicators that show you are suffering from stress such as cortisol and heart rate.
A study found patients heal faster from surgery if they’re given a green, natural view from their hospital bed. University of Pittsburgh researchers reported that patients exposed to natural light felt less stress, pain and took fewer pain medications after spinal surgery than those patients who weren’t. Another study showed faster recovery times for patients in a hospital room with a view of trees rather than a brick wall.