Why does nature feel so healing?

We took a woodland walk in the Peak District, and for the first time that week, the noise in my brain slowed.

It made me stop and listen to the rustle of dried leaves. The gushing of water as it glides between the rock formations. The gentle hum of morning song echoed between the tall, expansive trees that reached up into the sky. And even though the sky wasn’t blue, we were still immersed in all sorts of colours. It was magical.

It made me wonder: why is nature so healing?

It feels obvious in the moment, as the gentle breeze tickles my cheeks, and the smell of fresh earth revitalises my lungs. But it’s more than that. Your heartbeat slows, your movements become less rushed and a smile, you didn’t know was missing, now graces your face.

Even writing this now brings back that same “ahh” feeling. The memory of today melts away the tension.

What is actually happening? It’s the biology of peace.

Nature alters our actual brain chemistry, boosting serotonin, our happiness hormone. It’s literally altering our state of being, increasing chemicals made to make us feel good.

It’s also linked to our evolutionary connection. Our souls, as I like to imagine, remember the days before four brick walls, handheld devices and social constructs that trapped us inside for hours – even days on end.

We no longer seek out nature as a balm for our nervous systems; instead, we get lost in algorithms and consumerism. When did we become so out of touch?

So why is nature so healing? It’s everything we remember but have now forgotten.

We’re too stuck behind blue light-emitting screens. Let the rustle of the leaves, the trickling of the water and the natural sunlight heal our souls. We’ve forgotten where we came from.

You won’t find peace inside your phone; it’s waiting for you outside, I promise.

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