Researchers are proving the power of nature on our wellbeing. Here's what they've learned and how spas incorporate nature into treatments and experiences you can try.
For many of us, spending time outside in the fresh air and surrounded by nature is instinctively nurturing. When we go on holiday we often seek open spaces - maybe the deep blue of the sea on a beach break, or the verdant green of rural vistas at a country house hotel. We know that a walk outside is good for us, and when we do it we're often reminded of how much we enjoy it.
However, it turns out that wherever we are, simply taking time to notice nature can boost your mood. There's something about the natural world that has a calming, grounding effect, and studies show that spending time in green spaces or even just observing nature, from the colours in the sky at sunset to the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze, can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall wellbeing by making us feel more connected and present in the moment.
Nature offers a kind of mindfulness that taps into a sense of peace and balance, and researchers at Concordia University of Edmonton in Canada are proving that knowledge with data. They're undertaking a study, aptly named Noticing Nature Intervention, which will measure the impact of noticing nature on mental health.
Spa Business reported that: "Lead researcher, Dr Holli-Anne Passmore, says previous studies have shown nature promotes a “transcendent connectedness” and feeling of elevation."
Dr Passmore, who is an associate professor of psychology at the Concordia University of Edmonton, also told The Current:
"When people notice nature, and not necessarily even just spend extra time, but just [notice] it, we know it enhances our positive emotions,"
Having undertaken other studies on the impact of nature on our wellbeing, Passmore is especially interested in detailing whether noticing nature can help us handle low moods in the dark winter months. It follows research that indicates simply observing nature, and not necessarily being immersed in it, can, on its own, make us feel better.
Spa Business quotes Passmore, saying: “Noticing nature brings about transcendent connectedness – a feeling of being connected to nature and other people,” continuing “It also inspires elevation – a beautiful composite emotion made up of gratitude, wonder, awe and a sense of feeling uplifted. We will be focusing on these two variables in the research, as well as hope.”
It's long been said that patients recovering in hospital recover better when they have a view of nature through a nearby window than those who can only see interior spaces. The National Institute of Health writes:
"Twenty-three surgical patients assigned to rooms with windows looking out on a natural scene had shorter postoperative hospital stays, received fewer negative evaluative comments in nurses' notes, and took fewer potent analgesics than 23 matched patients in similar rooms with windows facing a brick building wall."
Nature has been an intrinsic part of spa and wellbeing experiences since time immemorial. From beautiful gardens and places to go for a walk, to treatments that incorporate herbs from spa gardens, outdoor classes and forest bathing, there is both a reverence for nature as well as an incorporation of its benefits across the board. For example:
Stroll down paths flanked by wild herbs, flowers, lavender and rosemary to a bathing experience that helps you connect to nature or dive into a natural swimming pool surrounded by a hidden rockery, wildflower meadow and a sun deck. Relax in a hot tub flanked by fire pits or soak under the stars in a rooftop pool fed by healing thermal waters. The spa experience isn't just inspired by nature - it can be immersed in it as well.
From open air hot tubs and lounging by the pool to woodland walks, private vineyards, and dedicated spa gardens where the saunas have views of the great outdoors, spa gardens range from classic country retreats to dedicated alfresco spa experiences. Swim from inside out in thermal pools, or lounge in private cabanas complete with your own copper bath, stocked fridge and tea and coffee making facilities.
Whether you fancy a stroll in the garden or a hike along some of the most famous national trails, walking can be a beautiful part of the spa experience and a wonderful opportunity to get out into the great outdoors. From the South West Coast Path to the Pennine Way, Hadrian’s Wall Path to the Norfolk Coast Path, we've put together a list of 10 of the best spas for walking holidays in the UK.
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