Book Reviews Good Nature: The New Science of
How Nature Improves Our Health Kathy Willis Bloomsbury, £20
Nature is good for us: fact. Professor Kathy Willis’ book Good Nature: The New Science of How Nature Improves Our Health explores not only the ways nature helps our health and well-being, but what happens to our brains and bodies when we immerse ourselves in the natural world to bring about those improvements. Students do better in tests when they can glance out of
the window at a green scene. They also recover from test stress quicker than those who can’t see the natural world. Take note, those considering selling school playing fields. Touching wood takes on a whole new meaning when you realise both psychological and physiological calming ensues when our hands or feet are in contact with bare wood. For me, the most amazing revelation is that some smells
are not only pleasant, but they also have measurable biological impacts. The smell of lemons can enter our bloodstream, reduce stress and inhibit inflammation in the lungs. Even more significant, the smell of a cypress forest increases the number of natural killer cells in our blood as well as reducing heart rates and levels of stress hormones. These cells fight viruses and cancer, so a walk in the woods or a diffuser releasing cypress essential oil could be a genuine health boost. Good Nature pulls together the new science around what most people have always known: being in nature makes us feel better. It also raises the important question of how we influence those in charge of town planning, health and education to act on these findings for the physical and psychological health benefit of all. Julia Durbin
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