What is the effect of connection with the natural world on the human psyche? How is our current estrangement from the rest of nature—literally and spiritually—detrimental to our minds and bodies?
"Studies suggest that when we are in natural areas our parasympathetic nervous system is more likely to be activated. This reaction has important consequences for our health, particularly at this time. The parasympathetic nervous system slows the heart, helps us feel calm, and is associated with better sleep and with feelings of contentment and safety. High resting levels of parasympathetic activity have been found to have many benefits to our health, from enhanced emotional regulation to decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
"In contrast, the sympathetic nervous system’s main function is to stimulate the body’s reaction to stress (the 'fight or flight' mode). Ideally, we want a balanced nervous system. If the stress response system is activated too much or left on for too long, inflammation can increase, causing physical and mental health problems." - Lucy Jones
Article: Rewilding Our Minds
Video: Adventurous Ink, Lucy Jones - Losing Eden
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