Nature Fix for Health in the New Year
Myakka River State Park
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”
― John Muir
As I sit here typing, the roar of a neighbor’s lawnmower fills the air, so loud it feels like it’s rattling my own walls. This kind of noise pollution can fray our nerves and chip away at our peace of mind. Thankfully, there are still a few sanctuaries where we can slip away from the chaos of modern life and let our minds and bodies reset.
Spanish Moss filtering light
Nature is a powerful remedy for stress and low moods. In fact, in many countries, doctors have written actual prescriptions for time outdoors—and I’ve done the same.
Why is accessing nature so important? Today, we spend, on average, “4 hours and 25 minutes on our phone every day. This is equivalent to nearly 31 hours per week or about 5.5 days per month. Across a year, that’s approximately 67 days spent looking at a phone” (Pramendra, 2025). Evidence-based research (not that I need this to confirm how I feel when I hike in the woods) shows that walking in a forest reduces stress, and improves mood (Hansen et al., 2017). In Japan, it is called Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and is prescribed by physicians for well-being with great results.
Highlands Hammock State Park
A walk in the woods does wonders for our bodies and minds. Science shows it can boost mood-regulating neurotransmitter levels like serotonin, strengthen immunity, lower blood pressure, and even help us sleep better. Forest bathing, just like Acupuncture, recalibrates our nervous system from ‘fight or flight’ (sympathetic) to ‘rest and digest’ (parasympathetic). Our nervous system is critical for the body to heal, and if we are in constant ‘fight or flight’ the body doesn’t have the ability to repair, leading to disease.
Komorebi, dappled light, reduces stress levels in our body
The gentle rustle of leaves, earthy scents, and filtered sunlight all leave a lasting imprint on our well-being. The sounds in nature, according to research, improve cognitive function and attention span, lower cortisol, and may even improve tinnitus-ear ringing (Zhu et al., 2024). Dappled light, called Komorebi in Japanese Forest bathing, plays an important role in reducing stress levels in the body. The filtered light coming through tree branches allows our brains to move away from worry and over-thinking, to a calm and relaxed state. Trees even release natural oils called phytoncides, which, when we breathe them in, can boost our immune cells and calm inflammation (Hansen et al., 2017).
I hope this inspires you to seek out the healing power of nature for yourself. Could you try just one outdoor adventure this week? Maybe it will spark a new tradition or even a New Year’s resolution.
Cypress Swamp at Highlands Hammock State Park
Nature Fix in Sarasota and Beyond
If you’re in Sarasota, here are some wonderful spots where you can reconnect with nature, melt away stress, and give your mind and body a reset.
Myakka River State Park
*Myakka River State Park – my all-time favorite. I’ve backpacked here countless times and have encountered nearly every wild creature that calls this park home. For the best experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon—just avoid the summer heat and possible afternoon summer storms.
Oscar Schere State Park
Carlton Reserve
Rothenbach Park
Celery Fields
Red bug Slough Preserve
Phillipi Estate Park
Robinson Preserve
Myakka River State Park
Venture beyond the Sarasota area:
Highlands Hammock State Park
*Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk – absolutely worth a visit for an easy stroll through a cypress swamp. The boardwalk is alive with wildlife, and you never know what delightful surprises await you.
Everglades National Park
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Florida is home to natural springs
My family and I have visited many springs around the Central Florida area. Our favorites include:
*Wekiwa Springs State Park - one of our favorites for kayaking
Blue Springs State Park
Ginny Springs State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park
Weeki Watchee Springs - great for kids
Siesta Key Beach
And don’t forget our beautiful and one of a kind beaches for a peaceful sunset stroll or an early morning barefoot walk. The beach will give your mind, body, and spirit a grounding and centering experience and recalibrate the nervous system.
If you would like help with lifestyle and nutrition, Acupuncture is a holistic medicine that includes these modifications. Reach out to Dr. Jen for a consultation.
Cheers to living a healthy and peaceful Year.
photo credits: Dr. Jen
References
Hansen, M. M., Jones, R., & Tocchini, K. (2017, July 28). Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and nature therapy: A state-of-the-art review. International journal of environmental research and public health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5580555/
Morita, E., Fukuda, S., Nagano, J., Hamajima, N., Yamamoto, H., Iwai, Y., Nakashima, T., Ohira, H., & Shirakawa, T. (2007). Psychological effects of forest environments on healthy adults: Shinrin-yoku (forest-air bathing, walking) as a possible method of stress reduction. Public Health, 121(1), 54–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2006.05.024 (PubMed)
Leibold, N. (2024). Forest bathing as a self-care modality for nurses. https://core.ac.uk/download/659395828.pdf
Zhu, R., Yuan, L., Pan, Y., Wang, Y., Xiu, D., & Liu, W. (2024). Effects of natural sound exposure on health recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Science of the Total Environment, 921, Article 171052. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171052
Pramendra S. (2025, September 21). Smartphone usage statistics: Time spent using smartphones [2025]. FixItFreak.