What are the benefits of interacting with nature?
Recently, the demand for outdoor activities has been increasing.
Besides the ability to avoid crowds, outdoor activities offer various benefits gained through interaction with nature.
◈ So, what specific benefits are there?
Three benefits gained through interaction with nature3 Benefits
First, the greatest benefit of spending time in nature is said to be the relaxation effect on both mind and body. In fact, many people may have experienced a sense of "healing" when visiting a nature-rich place on their days off. Environments abundant in nature are filled with experiences you can't have in the city, such as smelling the fragrance of flowers and trees, leisurely listening to birdsong, and feeling the gentle breeze on your skin.
A study investigating the therapeutic effects of feeling "healing" in nature measured hormone secretion levels of 420 subjects across 35 forests nationwide. The results showed that the secretion of cortisol, known as the stress hormone, decreased by about 12%, the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which increases tension, decreased by about 7%, while the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which works during relaxation, increased by about 55%.
Furthermore, exposure to nature is also expected to enhance immunity. A study conducted by the Heisei Medical Association titled "Forest Bathing and Mental Health Improvement" investigated how much natural killer cells (NK cells), a type of immune cell, increased after one day and two days of forest bathing. The results showed that NK cells were enhanced by about 27% after one day of forest bathing and about 53% after two days.(*1)
In other words, it can be said that the healing effects of being in contact with nature are scientifically proven.
It is also said that interacting with nature influences the development of a person's sensitivity. Spending time in nature and noticing various changes—such as the color changes of leaves, the way leaves sway when the wind blows, and the scents of trees and flowers—helps nurture sensitivity. By perceiving changes in natural scenery that are rarely seen in the city, one may become more attuned to subtle changes in other details as well.
Nowadays, it is said that opportunities to interact with nature have decreased compared to the past, making it extremely important to actively create time to enjoy the outdoors with children as part of education.
What are the leisure spots in Kanto where you can enjoy various outdoor activities?
In the Kanto region, there are leisure spots where you can experience various outdoor activities. Among them, at Mobility Resort Motegi in Motegi, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture, there is the "Mobility Resort Motegi Hotel" overlooking the racing course, the "Park" with attractions enjoyable for both children and adults, and "Hello Woods," where you can play and learn while interacting with nature.
Hello Woods is a nature-rich area carefully managed by dedicated staff, where many living creatures inhabit. Here, you can enjoy numerous spots such as camping, the "Lizard Rock Climbing" where you can climb a 1.5-meter-high wall, and the "Animal Research Laboratory" where you can observe the ecology of living creatures. Additionally, there are various outdoor activities available for parents and children to enjoy together.
In the activities, for example, within Hello Woods, there is the "Hatchoutonbo Rice Terraces" where the "Satoyama Little Adventurers ~ Mud Play in the Rice Fields ~" activity is available, allowing children to get muddy and play freely in the spaces of rice paddies where no planting has been done.
In this way, at Hello Woods, you can fully connect with nature just by strolling around or playing on the playground equipment placed throughout the park, but there are also activities that allow you to experience nature more deeply, so you can enjoy it differently each time you visit.
Interacting with nature not only brings many relaxation benefits to both mind and body, but it is also expected to enhance immunity and foster sensitivity.
Especially now, when stress is easily felt, why not refresh yourself by enjoying outdoor activities in nature?
