The Healing Power of Nature

The preservation of biological resources is an essential commitment to preserving the entire fabric of human existence, not just an effort to save plants, animals, and ecosystems. It is becoming increasingly clear that the state of the natural environment around us is directly related to our well-being as we negotiate the complexity of today's world.

I have always enjoyed being in nature, walking on wet grounds, hearing bird calls, and basking in the fresh air from plants. I never knew why I was passionate about this or why I “feel better” after hiking or relaxing in Mother Nature’s ambience. I got to see a post from a fellow bird watcher; a medical doctor, and the article was on the significance of bird watching for mental health. This made me understand the relationship between appreciating or conserving nature and human well-being.

The advantages that humans receive from ecosystems, or ecosystem services, are essential to our survival and well-being. These services—from pollination and soil fertility to clean air and water—are the hidden heroes of everyday life. However, widespread habitat loss and degradation threaten these services, endangering our ability to get necessities. "Do not bite the hand that feeds you," as the phrase goes, unless you want to end up desperate for clean water and oxygen!

We now know why staying grumpy is difficult while observing or hearing a couple of Plantain Eaters dart around a nearby tree! Research from academic institutions has demonstrated that birding improves mental health by lowering stress and anxiety. According to a 2022 study by King's College London researchers published in the Scientific Reports journal, simply seeing or hearing birds daily can positively impact one's mental health (Hammoud et al., 2022). Cracking open that field guide might reveal your hidden perceptual abilities.

Did you know that spending time in nature can enhance mood, reduce stress, and increase general well-being? It is true. Numerous studies have found that exposure to green areas can improve mental health, with advantages ranging from decreased anxiety to increased cognitive performance (Bratman et al., 2019). So, the next time you are feeling depressed, maybe skip the therapist's couch and head to the nearby park—nature's remedy for a better, happier, inspired you.

Water is Life; that may be cliche, but more than 70% of the Earth's surface is water, which is necessary for all life, including human life. Although we typically consider water a resource for cleanliness and hydration, its importance goes beyond simply slaked thirst. Seafood is an abundant source of vital nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, and the oceans are teeming with life. Eating seafood has many advantages, including enhanced prenatal development, cardiovascular health, and cognitive performance (Kris-Etherton et al., 2002). Thus, the next time you are in the mood for something tasty to eat, keep in mind that you are feeding your body and mind in addition to your taste buds.

Being near water has a calming effect on one, whether it is the peaceful sound of a mountain stream or the rhythmic sound of waves crashing on the shore. This is aside from our ocean blue pharmacy, which is heavily impacted by human activity. According to research, spending time in aquatic environments can improve mental health by lowering stress, anxiety, and depression (White et al., 2010). Next time you need to relax and rejuvenate, think about swimming in the closest body of water—nature's cure.

Swimming, surfing, and kayaking are just a few enjoyable and practical water-based sports that can help you stay active and in better shape. People of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from aquatic training, as buoyancy eases stress on joints and muscles. Furthermore, without the risk of injury associated with high-impact exercises, the resistance offered by water helps develop strength, endurance, and flexibility (Colado & Triplett, 2008). I felt refreshed after kayaking in a lake with many White-faced Whistling Ducks and other water birds and waders calling and living free without any disturbances one sunset.

Healthy aquatic ecosystems provide numerous services, such as flood management, climate regulation, and water purification, which are critical to human well-being. Rivers, wetlands, and seas are natural filters that eliminate pollutants and contaminants from the water we use for irrigation, drinking, and bathing. We ensure the health of future generations and our own by preserving and repairing these ecosystems.

Environmental protection and restoration aren't simply buzzwords but the cornerstones of human health, happiness, and long-term survival. A thriving environment provides many benefits, from clean air and water to a stable climate and abundant natural resources. Conversely, environmental degradation significantly affects human well-being, leading to respiratory illnesses, waterborne diseases, food insecurity, and economic hardship.

Clean air is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Air pollution takes a hefty toll on our lungs, leading to respiratory illnesses and shortening lifespans. Protecting our environment from pollution like smog is like giving our bodies a high five—it allows us to breathe easier, literally!

Loss of biodiversity can have severe consequences for human health, including the transmission of infectious diseases and the depletion of medical supplies. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that wildlife is the source of 70% of newly discovered infectious diseases, highlighting the significance of protecting biodiversity to avert future pandemics (WHO, 2022). Even though it seems funny, tampering with Mother Nature's biodiversity can cause unpleasant surprises, such as uninvited visitors showing up for our health celebration.

Thriving ecosystems are a treasure trove of natural resources with immense medicinal value. Over half of the world's pharmaceuticals are derived from natural sources or inspired by natural products. Plants like the rosy periwinkle have provided the foundation for life-saving cancer treatments, while microorganisms found in soil are being investigated for their potential to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria (Pham et al., 2020). Protecting biodiversity ensures the continued availability of these natural resources, which are crucial for advancing medical science and treating human illnesses.

A healthy environment is essential for sustainable agriculture, the foundation of global food security. Soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate change are significant threats to agricultural productivity. Environmental restoration efforts that promote soil conservation practices, water management techniques, and sustainable farming methods are critical for ensuring a steady supply of nutritious food to feed the world's growing population.

Contrary to common assumptions, conservation initiatives are more than just a waste of resources; they are also a prudent investment in our shared future. According to a 2010 analysis by The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB), the yearly value of global ecosystem services is estimated to be between $125 trillion and $145 trillion. By conserving biological resources, we protect livelihoods that rely on ecosystem services and create economic opportunities in ecotourism, bioprospecting, and sustainable agriculture. So, the next time someone rejects conservation as a pricey undertaking, remind them that protecting nature is good for the soul and the wallet.

Nature is teeming with life, from microscopic organisms to majestic whales. We are intricately connected to this web of life, and our well-being relies on the health of the natural world. Spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mental health, and enhance physical well-being. Whether hiking through a forest, swimming in a lake, or simply listening to the birds sing, immersing ourselves in nature can bring peace, tranquility, and fulfillment. Nature's healing power is undeniable, and it's something that we should all seek out regularly.

In conclusion, the health benefits of biological resources, natural elements, and water are vast and varied, encompassing everything from nutrition and mental well-being to physical fitness and ecosystem services. As stewards of the planet, we are responsible for protecting and preserving these vital resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. The health and well-being of humanity are intricately linked to the state of the environment. Environmental protection and restoration are not just noble pursuits but essential investments in our collective future. By safeguarding the natural world, we ensure clean air and water, a stable climate, abundant resources, and a thriving planet for future generations.

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Colado, J. C., & Triplett, N. T. (2008). Effects of Aquatic Resistance Training on Health and Fitness in Postmenopausal Women. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 102(5), 585-592.

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Hammoud, R., Tognin, S., Burgess, L., Bergou, N., Smythe, M., Gibbons, J., Davidson, N., Afifi, A., Bakolis, I., & Mechelli, A. (2022). Smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment reveals mental health benefits of birdlife. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-20207-6

Kris-Etherton, P. M., Harris, W. S., Appel, L. J., & American Heart Association. Nutrition Committee (2002). Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. Circulation, 106(21), 2747–2757. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.cir.0000038493.65177.94

Pham, H. N., Vuong, Q. V., Bowyer, M. C., & Scarlett, C. J. (2020). Phytochemicals Derived from Catharanthus roseus and Their Health Benefits. Technologies, 8(4), 80. https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies8040080

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