Recharge in Paradise: The Science Behind the Rainforest Retreats Incredible Benefits
Written by Theresa of Little Pocket
Okay, be honest: how much time do you spend indoors?
This can be a real challenge for people, and increasingly so with our jobs slowly being more and more sedentary; and the pandemic didn’t help. We all know that the outdoors can be revitalising but, why?
Let's delve into why this little rainforest retreat is your next best friend, and the scientific evidence supporting these claims.
What is “connecting with nature”?
While you may hear the term ‘connecting with nature’, it can be a little vague can’t it? What does it actually mean?
Connecting with nature is about how we, as humans, can benefit from the time we spend in nature. Here are some ideas of how to tune in with yourself and see what makes you feel relaxed and reenergised.
1. Spending time outdoors: Taking a native bush walk, going camping or glamping, spending the day at the beach or a day out fishing.
2. Observing and appreciating nature: This one is all about settling your mind from its business and taking notice; paying attention to the sights, sounds, and smells of nature, such as watching a sunset, listening to birdsong, or inhaling the fragrance of flowers.
3. Nature-based activities: Activities like gardening, wildlife or landscape photography, painting landscapes, or chilling on the river or lake bank enjoying the view.
4. Learning about the natural world: Learning about ecosystems, biodiversity, and the interconnections within all of nature to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation.
5. Conservation and environmental stewardship: Maybe you're someone who likes to roll up your sleeves and take action to protect and preserve the natural environment. This could include participating in clean-up initiatives, supporting conservation organisations, or advocating for sustainable practices.
Sit and soak in our river hot tub amidst the tall beech trees as you listen to the birdsong and the flowing rhythm of the Maruia River.
Happiness through incorporating nature into our daily lives
Let's get into the nitty-gritty details and explore the scientifically-proven, holistic view of the benefits of incorporating nature into our daily lives.
A study published in 2022 concluded that “natural environments found to have a medium to large effect on increasing positive emotion and decreasing negative emotion”.
Physical benefits
Our intuition tells us that fresh air and exercise is beneficial and even a walk around the block feels good.
Learn about the endemic flora and fauna of a native New Zealand forest through a guided nature walk.
Getting your daily vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a vital role in keeping our bones from fracturing and softening, as well as other biological processes, such as an improved immune function.
Feel less tired & get better sleep
Getting some sunshine during the day decreases your melatonin levels, which is a hormone that indicates for your brain to tell you you're tired. Helpful eh? Feeling sleepy at lunchtime? Get some sun! It also helps to regulate your circadian rhythm, which is your body's internal clock, for bedtime and wake time. Having a well regulated circadian rhythm will help you get better quality sleep.
Cardiovascular system & respiratory system
The more you move your body, the stronger your heart is the more oxygen your lungs can accommodate pushing through to your bloodstream (which means you’ll puff less when exerting yourself!)
Gastrointestinal system & muscular systems
Getting outside for some exercise increases your gut motility (makes your bowel work) more which helps keep your gut healthy by moving regularly. It also uses up sugars in your muscles and bloodstream on energy rather than being stored as body fat.
Increases feel good hormones
Dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins and serotonin. These are the hormones which can make you feel happy and sometimes give you a euphoric feeling, and exercise is one of the ways to get them!
Mental and Emotional benefits
Kirsten Weir of the American Psychological Association quoted a study in her article that nature exposure is “associated with increases in happiness… a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as decreases in mental distress”.
Enjoying your social circle more
Feeling happy
Having a sense of purpose
Feeling calm
Reducing stress
Reducing anxiety
Reducing depression
Cognitive and Social benefits
Many studies researching the correlation between exposure to natural environments and positive cognitive impact, have wholly concluded that green and blue space effectively aids brain activity. One such study concluded “exposure to a variety of natural stimuli (vs. urban stimuli) consistently improves working memory performance.”
Essentially, surrounding yourself in nature will help your brain function well, such as:
Improved mental clarity
Faster problem-solving
Improved attention span
The social benefits are really in the shared experience of time with friends or family out in nature or a shared interest to discuss and connect with each other over similar interests, such as fishing, walking or swimming.
Nurtured by nature
Maruia River Retreat is designed for you to stay, explore, relax and be inspired by and connect with nature and the outdoors - or as I like to call it - being nurtured by nature.
Pick some fruits and veggies from our Kitchen Garden and you will see most of the produce served fresh daily from the garden to our kitchen and into your bellies. Nourishment at its freshest.
Key Take Away Points
There are wide-ranging and significant benefits to be had across the holistic scale of human functioning, making you feel happier, healthier and less likely to contract disease.
Maruia River Retreat is a luxury resort dedicated to treating you to the weekend you deserve, connecting with nature and improving your overall health. Now you’re aware of not only the science behind putting selfcare at the top of your to-do list, but also the why’s and the how’s - practical steps towards lifting your mind, heart and soul to a happier, healthier place.