New research coming from Germany suggests that living in close proximity to forest land is linked with strong healthy functioning of a key part of the human brain. This indicates that those who live in mostly man-made environments may not be as better equipped to deal with stress as those who live nearer the country and forests. Interestingly, humans who live in cities tend to need more stress-coping mechanisms than those who live in the quiet of the countryside, yet they are less able to deal with all the stresses that come from living in urban areas. The findings suggest that that forests "in and around cities" should be viewed as valuable resources that should be promoted. This comes from Simone Kuehn of the Max Planck Institute For Human Development in Berlin and is published the journal Scientific Reports. One aspect of the study that was looked at was the amount of forest land that was located within a one-kilometer radius (.62 miles) of each participant's homes. Her results revealed "a significant positive association between the coverage of forest and amygdala integrity." The amygdala, by the way, is the almond-shaped set of neurons that plays an important and key role in the processing of emotions, including fear and anxiety. What is surprising is that Kuehn and her associates found no such connection from living near bodies of water or close to urban green spaces such as parks. it appears that only living near forests has the ability to calm the brain. But researchers do caution that these studies do not prove "causality." It is possible that, for whatever reason, people with healthier amygdalae chose to live near forests. Although possible, it doesn't really seem probable.
Ms. Kuehn's study compliments the already-strong psychological evidence of the benefits of living close to nature. Those benefits include longer lives, lower levels of aggression, better cognitive development in children. One study even suggests living near nature can make humans nicer!
On a related note, one recently published study suggests that future space voyages should include plant life. According to that particular study, astronauts interacting with greenery can reduce both social and cognitive problems currently associated with space travel.
More research needs to be performed on these subjects but there is mounting evidence that there is much to be gained, especially during stressful times, by surrounding yourself with plants and trees.
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is now." ~ Chinese Proverb
Like I always say, "Green is Good."