Nature exposure seems to help decrease our stress, rumination, and anxiety. And much of that research has been conducted in forests. Walking in a forest experienced less anxiety, hostility, fatigue, confusion, and depressive symptoms, and more vigour, compared to walking in an urban setting. The practice of “forest bathing”—deliberately spending time among the woods—can help us deal with the stresses and strains of urban living.
Even gazing at a winter forest results in better moods, more positive emotions, more vigour, and a greater sense of personal restoration afterwards than gazing at an urban scene.
Trees help us breathe, benefit our immune systems, help our heart health.
Green spaces reduce crime in urban settings, and it may be that trees are even more effective.
Nature experiences help us to feel kinder toward others, and many studies of this involve trees.