Do you know about vitamin G?
In fact, vitamin G, or "green" vitamin is more of a concept that refers to natural green spaces. This concept, developed by health experts, refers to the ancestral need of human beings to be in connection with nature, to feel well-being. Let us not forget that the human brain has developed for 2 million years to evolve in a natural environment! The need to take advantage of the green spaces offered by Mother Nature and the well-being that we feel there are therefore very real.
Indeed, science has recently shown that this powerful fundamental connection powers our neural circuits in an impressive and remarkable way. Several studies and serious scientific research have proven that there are irrefutable beneficial effects to the brain following exposure of individuals to nature. For example, exposure to natural elements activates the area of the brain associated with happiness and empathy, helps concentration, and lowers the level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the blood.
Thus, more and more throughout the world, especially in Japan, specialists formally prescribe Shinrin-Yoku to their patients, that is, to devote time regularly to an immersive "forest bath", in order to improve their state of mind and their health In Quebec, immersion in the forest is called sylvotherapy and we are gradually seeing the emergence of groups specializing in its promotion.
However, when I think of the words "forest" and "nature", I automatically want to scratch myself !!! Indeed, I am so allergic to pollen and wild herbs that I had a severe allergic reaction leading me to intensive care, the time they tried to desensitize me in a hospital environment !!!!
So, when I get motivated enough to take a walk in nature to enjoy its benefits on my mental health, I have to equip myself with an army of antihistamines, creams, an asthma pump, drops for the eyes, etc. No kidding, the last time I slept in a tent (20 years ago) I woke up completely swollen all over the place, suddenly sharing a weird family resemblance with the Michelin man !!
In short, walking in the forest for me, forget it! Despite all that this brings positive, for me it mainly causes anxiety. In addition I hate to be bitten by mosquitoes !!! So, in order to be able to benefit from contact with nature without losing my health, I discovered that there were a variety of ways that were easy to do, safely in the comfort of my home.
For example, did you know that research has shown that having 3 potted plants in the room can reduce stress? No need for a whole forest! Wooden walls, exposure to sounds and images of nature over the Internet have the same benefits on brain waves! One of the proven benefits of walking in the forest is that you breathe in phytoncides, which are organic compounds released into the air by trees and plants. However, these phytoncides would have anticarcinogenic properties and stimulate the immune system, in addition to reducing stress while increasing concentration. What to do then?
Aromatherapy is here for you! Essential oils are concentrations of these compounds without all of the allergenic effects that go with them. So, I got a diffuser that I don't forget to plug in during my meditation, in order to increase its effectiveness. Finally, know that if you are like me, allergic to everything, 'insectophobic' and nervous in the woods, there are simple solutions for you.
No need to unplug everything to connect with Mother Nature !!!! Also watch out for eco-anxiety ... Having dark thoughts about the future of the planet, without feeling that you have the power to change things and feeling guilty about our consumption can be symptoms of eco anxiety. In fact, eco anxiety is generally akin to traditional anxiety.
As far as I am concerned, in the pursuit of overall mental well-being, the integral approach that I take gradually leads me to make healthier changes in my lifestyle. This translates into greener diets, as well as purchasing body and home products that are pure and non-toxic.
However, being diagnosed with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), I am perfectly aware that I must limit my exposure to alarming reports on the environment, otherwise I risk having to count sheep for a long time at night!
Finally, I believe that we must target a few actions that suit us (avoid plastic packaging, recycle, compost, etc.) and stop blaming ourselves by imagining the worst. There is always hope. No one can know what scientific breakthroughs and solutions will be in the future of this cause. In short, let's not forget that everything is not black or white. Emotional balance is found in the gray areas!
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