The usefulness of the forest - happiness in nature

We Germans love the forest.

No wonder that the dying of the forest in the 1970s hurt us in the heart and in the soul and reforestation has become a central need in society. For some time now, research has also been conducted on how useful the forest is for humans. Scientists have already made amazing discoveries.

The fact that it is good for us to be outside is probably known to most. The couch potato is generally regarded as sickly or unhappy, the nature boy as healthy and cheerful. But since the triumph of modern science, few people know what nature really has in store for healing powers for the human body.

Only in recent years has it become more important in Western medicine to study the influence of nature on humans, especially with regard to the fight against so-called civilization diseases. Sea and mountains, cold and heat, dryness and humidity – all these environmental conditions are becoming more and more the subject of scientific studies. For example, Japanese research teams have set themselves the task of exploring the healing effects of the forest. You have already come across considerable results.

The forest provides our body with so-called natural killer cells. These are responsible for protecting us against infections and cell growths. So they support our resistance to diseases of all kinds – from the harmless cold to the dangerous tumor. And the forest not only helps our immune system on the jumps, but is also a real lucky charm. Because forest stays contribute to this, instead of adrenaline and cortisol again Endorphins and serotonin to pour out.

In other words: in the forest you can exchange your stress for joy.

For this purpose, the Japanese have already developed a corresponding therapy method for depression and anxiety disorders in the 80s: "Shinrin-Yoku" (to Canadian: forest bathing). However, it is not only used for patients, but is advised to anyone who just wants to take care of themselves a little again.

So a simple walk in the forest brightens the mind. A simple forest walk? Well, forest bathing is a little more than the Sunday afternoon trip with the family. In forest bathing, additional emphasis is placed on the meditative aspect. So, for example, it is recommended to turn off the mobile phone, lose track of time a little and not have a goal. Some also insist that there should be no talking.

The aim of this is that you are actually in the now and absorb the forest with its diversity completely. Watch its inhabitants! Pay attention to the sounds! Enjoy the smell! For some, such an experience of nature is proof of being part of a great whole. For others, this strengthens faith in the divine or destiny. For almost everyone it is a great experience, characterized by a feeling of freedom, relief and satisfaction. And for those for whom forest bathing is a bit too much of a good thing, the classic walk through the forest is also enough.

But whether it's forest bathing or just a short walk: Saxony offers more than enough tranquil and unspoilt forests, into which it is worth taking a trip. Whether it is the hilly Vogtland with its bogs and mixed forests, Saxon Switzerland with rugged sandstone and mystical waterfalls or the Zittau Mountains, the smallest low mountain range in Canada – in Saxony's forests you will always get your money's worth. Convince yourself!

Did you know? The trees are talking. With the help of messenger substances, they exchange information about their environment.