Healing through travel: how nature restores us
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Healing is not always found in therapy rooms or meditation halls. Sometimes, it lives in the hush of pine trees, the rhythmic crash of waves, or the way golden light filters through branches. Travel, when guided by intention and presence, can reconnect us with a natural rhythm that restores body, mind, and spirit.
And science agrees: nature offers measurable benefits that enhance our well-being, clarity, and sense of meaning. This post gathers some of the most compelling evidence that shows how healing through travel is powerful.
Scientific evidences showing we heal when travelling to nature
1. Reduced cortisol levels (stress hormone)
Research dating back to 1991 by Ulrich et al. shows that simply viewing natural settings (such as colour slides of trees and grassy scenes) can significantly reduce stress. More recent studies confirm that time spent walking in or viewing forested areas leads to lower cortisol levels compared to urban environments, supporting faster physiological recovery from stress.
2. Enhanced cognitive performance and clarity
In a classic study by Berman et al. (2008), participants who walked in a natural setting showed an improvement of about 20% on memory and attention span tasks compared with those walking in urban environments. This provides strong support for attention restoration theory and shows that nature helps restore mental energy.
3. Improved immune function
Studies of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), especially by Li et al. (2009, 2010), found that spending time in forests increases both the number and activity of natural killer (NK) cells, including levels of anti-cancer proteins such as perforin and granzymes. These effects can last up to a month after exposure.
4. Lower heart rate and blood pressure
Field experiments across Japanese forests (Park et al., 2010) indicate that walking or viewing forest scenery significantly lowers pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while increasing parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity and reducing sympathetic arousal. Similar effects are consistently observed in other forest therapy studies.
5. Better sleep quality
Recent reviews and studies show that greater exposure to natural environments correlates with improved sleep quality and longer sleep duration. For many adults, access to green spaces is linked with reduced sleep insufficiency and better sleep patterns overall.
6. Decreased rumination and overthinking
A controlled study by Bratman et al. (2015) found that a 90-minute walk in a natural setting, compared to an urban walk, decreased self-reported rumination and reduced activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex. This is a brain region associated with repetitive negative thought and risk of depression.
7. Increased pain tolerance and faster recovery
Ulrich’s 1984 study found that surgical patients with rooms overlooking trees recovered more quickly, had fewer complications, and required less pain medication than those viewing brick walls. This early research established a direct link between natural views and healing outcomes.
8. Boost in creativity and problem‑solving
In an experiment by Atchley et al. (2012), participants spent four days immersed in nature with no digital distractions. Their scores on creative problem‑solving tests increased by 50% compared to controls. This suggests that nature immersion enhances creative reasoning significantly.
9. Increased prosocial behaviour
Even brief exposure to awe‑inducing nature (such as tall trees or expansive landscapes) can increase generosity, cooperation, and a sense of connection to others. In one 2015 study, participants exposed to natural awe reported feeling more altruistic and less self‑focused.
10. Regulation of blood glucose in diabetics
Clinical studies among people with type 2 diabetes have shown that walking in forest environments improves blood sugar control beyond what is expected from exercise alone. These findings suggest that nature exposure may synergise with physical activity to help regulate glucose levels (Ohtsuka et al., 1998 style).
11. Decreased inflammation markers
A controlled study comparing two‑hour exposure to forest versus urban settings found significantly lower pro‑inflammatory cytokines (including IL‑8 and TNF‑α) in participants after time in forests. Lower inflammation supports immune health, reduces chronic disease risk, and contributes to a renewed sense of wellbeing.
12. Strengthened sense of purpose and meaning in life
A robust connection to nature enhances eudaimonic well‑being, including purpose, personal growth, and life meaning. Studies by Howell and colleagues (often referenced in relation to Nisbet & Zelenski’s work) consistently find that those with deeper nature connectedness score higher on measures of life purpose and resilience. This inner anchoring helps people feel part of something larger than themselves, renewing vision and emotional resilience.
Wild escape
Nature heals us along the way. From a clearer mind to a stronger immune system, the benefits are measurable and meaningful. If you've ever felt calmer after a walk in the woods or more inspired after standing beneath a vast sky, you're not imagining it. Nature restores us in quiet, powerful ways.
Have you experienced a moment of clarity or renewal through nature? Start your next journey with this in mind: healing may be waiting just beyond the next bend in the trail.
About the author: Thaíz Lara is the creator behind New Hermits, a New Zealand-based storyteller who believes in the power of story and soul-filled travel. After living in 5 countries and exploring 60, she has come to understand that the most meaningful journeys often begin within. Learn more about Lara.
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