What are the benefits of interacting with nature?
Recently, due to the impact of the new coronavirus, the demand for outdoor activities has been increasing.
In addition to the ability to avoid crowds, there are various benefits gained from interacting 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 the mind and body. In fact, many people may have experienced a sense of "healing" when visiting nature-rich places on their days off. Environments abundant in nature offer many experiences that cannot be enjoyed in the city, such as feeling the scents of flowers and trees, listening to the chirping of birds, and feeling the gentle breeze on your skin.
Research investigating the therapeutic effects of feeling "healing" in nature measured the hormone secretion levels of 420 subjects across 35 forests nationwide. The results showed that the secretion of cortisol, known as a 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, there is also an expected effect of enhancing immunity by being in nature. A study conducted by the Heisei Medical Association titled "Forest Bathing and Improvement of Mental Health" 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 after one day of forest bathing, there was an increase of about 27%, and after two days, an increase of about 53%.(Note 1)
In other words, it can be said that the healing effects of being in nature are scientifically proven.
It is said that by interacting with nature, it also influences the development of a person's sensitivity. By spending time in nature and gaining various insights, such as the changes in the color of leaves, the way leaves sway when the wind blows, and the scents of trees and flowers, one can cultivate sensitivity. By perceiving changes in natural scenery that are not often seen in urban areas, one may become more sensitive to subtle changes in various matters.
In today's world, where opportunities to interact with nature have decreased compared to the past, it seems very 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 various leisure spots where you can experience outdoor activities. Among them, at "Mobility Resort Motegi" located in Motegi Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture, you can find the "Mobility Resort Motegi Hotel" which offers a panoramic view of the racing course, attractions that can be enjoyed by both children and adults at the "Park", and "Hello Woods" where you can play and learn while interacting with nature.
This Hello Woods is a nature-rich place carefully managed by dedicated staff, home to many living creatures. Here, you can enjoy numerous spots such as "Lizard Rock Climbing" where you can climb a wall 1.5m high, and the "Urinbo Maze" which stretches 428m, along with other outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by parents and children together.
In the activities, for example, at the "Hatcho Dragonfly Rice Terraces" within Hello Woods, there is an activity called "Satoyama Little Adventure Team - Muddy Fun in the Rice Field" where you can play in the muddy space of a rice field that has not been planted.
In this way, at Hello Woods, just walking around and playing with the playground equipment placed throughout the park allows you to interact with nature sufficiently, but there are also activities available that provide a deeper nature experience, so you can enjoy different ways each time you visit.
Interacting with nature not only brings many relaxation benefits for both the mind and body,
but it can also enhance immunity and nurture sensitivity.
Especially now, when stress is more prevalent, why not enjoy the outdoors in nature for a change of pace?
