Nature - an elixir of natural healing power

Especially in times of climate crisis, pandemics, rapid advancements in digitalisation and technology, the stabilising and restorative powers of our precious nature are once again the focus of increased attention. Whether in home office, on holiday, on a business trip or during leisure activities – people yearn for authentic encounters and experiences – preferably outdoors in nature.

This is most probably due to the scientifically researched and proven positive effects that nature has on our mental and physical well-being. Using various studies as our basis, we have identified five of these magnificent effects in order to apply them to our healthy meeting culture in Tirol:

1. Nature Heals

Natural influences of all kinds, such as fresh forest air, temperature changes and daylight, have a calming effect on blood pressure and heart rate. They also lead to relaxation of the muscles in the body. These effects are directly perceptible, for example, when using Kneipp techniques. If you hold your feet in a cold mountain stream, you will immediately feel how the blood vessels contract and then relax again after a while. You could almost call this yoga for the vascular system and tissues, as it increases their elasticity immensely.

2.  Nature Soothes

It has been proven in several studies that the mere sight of nature has a calming effect on our minds. For example, people in hospitals with a view of a forest heal faster than those without. As soon as we are in nature, the stress hormones in our body sink automatically (we are genetically programmed to) and we immediately become calmer and more relaxed. Be it the mellow sounds, the imposing sight of a snow-covered mountain landscape, or a vibrant spring meadow, our attention is immediately pulled to the present and our minds freed, so to speak, for new things.

3.  Nature Connects

Although it sounds a bit far-fetched at first, people who spend a lot of time in nature show a greater capacity for empathy. This can be attributed to the fact that daylight, fresh air and other conditions have a positive effect on the mental state on the one hand. And that the experience of being part of something big, such as nature and the environment, increases the sense of community and lowers people’s aggression levels on the other.

4. Nature Nourishes

Probably the most important but often presupposed quality of nature is that it nourishes us. We are able to obtain the fuel we require to survive on the basis of its resources. If nature thrives, healthy food is the result which, in turn, has a positive effect on our health. This is one of the reasons why regional and seasonal food makes so much sense – it is good for us and our environment.

5.  Nature Regenerates

Nature is an incredible phenomenon in so many ways – especially when you consider its regenerative powers. It recovers and rejuvenates from massive environmental intrusion and is constantly adapting to change. This characteristic also has a regenerative effect on people. For instance, mild differences in altitude (up to 3,000 m above sea level) have an invigorating effect on our organism. These altitude differences stimulate red blood cells to transport more oxygen through the body, which leads to a clearer head on the one hand, while more energy is consumed in our body at altitude on the other. It is the reason why food always tastes twice as good at over 2,000 m!

87% of Tirol’s surface area consists of pristine natural landscapes. This means there are endless possibilities to integrate nature into conferences, congresses or incentives and to benefit from the associated positive health effects. Be it a business lunch at over 2,000 m, an invigorating Kneipp session in a cold lake or mountain stream in front of the conference hotel, a stimulating chat while walking through the adjacent forest or a conference at one of the seminar huts.

Lend a healthy touch to your event and savour the manifold possibilities offered by Tirolean nature. We are readily available to help you with inspiration and ideas.