We understand that there are wellness benefits that come with biophilia-centric spaces, but just how effective are they?
A recent article from HDR Inc, takes note of healthcare moving away from its usual “sickness and cure” focus to a wellness-centric focus. People are now encouraged to be consistently attentive to their health and wellness. A few methods of doing so include improving your diet, exercising regularly and getting necessary treatment. So where does biophilia factor into this?
“Neural channels in our brain connect to the autonomic nervous system, which is made up of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems,” the article explains. The sympathetic system controls the body’s cognitive functions, while the parasympathetic system is what calms the body down in stressful situations.
The article references one study in particular where the presence of a stress hormone decreased, pulse rates dropped and blood pressure was lowered in individuals who took walks in a forest. Conversely, those who walked through a more urban environment didn’t experience the same decrease in stress levels.
Read the full article on the HDR Inc. site here.
