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Plants and trees release compounds <br />that protect them from pests; when <br />humans inhale those compounds, it <br />promotes healthy —and measurable — <br />biological changes <br />COREY HENDRICKSON— GALLERY STOCK; <br />ILLUSTRATIONS BY PETER RYAN FOR TIME <br />-el, <br />V,r( .R ) R i:'i <br />time outside is good for the heart, research shows, <br />high blood pressure costs the U.S. approximately <br />on per year and affects 1 in 3 Americans, visiting green <br />ay be a simple and affordable way to improve heart <br />arge June 2016 study found that nearly 10% of people <br />Mood pressure could get their hypertension under control <br />ntjust 30 minutes or more in a park each week. "If <br />,vere to make time for nature, the savings on health care <br />d be incredible," says study author Danielle Shanahan, a <br />ellow at the University of Queensland in Australia. <br />ash air could be one factor, since air pollution has been <br />i higher risk for heart attacks, but since the study <br />is lived in cities (and therefore were also being exposed <br />ition), that likely isn't the only driver. Scientists think <br />uction also plays a part. "Nature is undemanding," says <br />i. "It requires effortless attention to look at the leaves of <br />ike the constant emails at work or the chores at home." <br />natural fragrance may also play a role, as some studies <br />vn that phytoncides lower blood pressure by quelling the <br />it -or- flight response, which stresses the body. <br />/ r;'l'fi <br />w, <br />1 ,V;; A°JUf',I <br />or undulating countryside <br />stagram feed: it can <br />(ring a number of health ? <br />archer Paul Piff of the ?l1 <br />ound that people <br />up at towering trees <br />g awe, after which <br />stranger than <br />y tall —but far less <br />CA�.ICIICIIVGJ VI avvG auullc people to thi ngs larger than <br />themselves," says Piff. "They cause individuals to feel less 1/k <br />entitled, less selfish, and to behave in more generous and helping <br />ways." The benefits of awe are physical too: regularly experiencing <br />moments of awe has been linked to lower levels of inflammatory <br />compounds in the body. <br />Everyday interactions with nature can also benefit. An April 2016 <br />study of 44 cities found that urban areas with more parks scored <br />higher on measures of community well- being. That's likely because <br />parks give people opportunities to socialize and be active with their <br />neighbors, which could improve health, the researchers say. People <br />in cities with lots of green space were more likely to report having <br />more energy, good health and a sense of purpose too. <br />I, <br />s /<< <br />/ /(f I <br />°i / / o i1 11 / <br />lranrf Ir //r irr fl <br />