Research has shown there are many benefits of connecting in nature.

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●    Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
●    Improve mood
●    Increase physical activity
●    Enhance feelings of wellbeing
●    Lower blood pressure
●    Lower cortisol levels
●    Mindfulness practices in natural environments have been shown to enhance psychological well-being.

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Have a look at some of the evidence based research below:

Louw, A., Zimney, K., Horton, S., & Sorrell, L. (2016). "The Effect of Pain Neuroscience Education on Pain, Disability, and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review."

 

○    Reference: Louw, A., Zimney, K., Horton, S., & Sorrell, L. (2016). "The Effect of Pain Neuroscience Education on Pain, Disability, and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review." Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 32(3), 220-239.
 

○    Summary: This systematic review found that pain neuroscience education significantly reduced pain and disability, and improved quality of life among patients with chronic pain. The review emphasised that educating patients about pain mechanisms helps alter their beliefs about pain and enhances their self-efficacy.

Moseley, G. L., & Butler, D. S. (2015). "Explain Pain."

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○    Reference: Moseley, G. L., & Butler, D. S. (2015). Explain Pain (2nd ed.). Noigroup Publications.

○    Summary: This book provides a comprehensive overview of pain education and its implications. The authors discuss how a better understanding of pain can lead to improved coping strategies and reduced pain perception, emphasizing the psychological and neurological aspects of chronic pain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ1w3qoBWLA 

O'Sullivan, K., et al. (2016). "The Impact of Education on Pain Outcomes after Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Controlled Trial."

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○    Reference: O'Sullivan, K., et al. (2016). "The Impact of Education on Pain Outcomes after Total Knee Replacement: A Randomised Controlled Trial." Physical Therapy, 96(12), 1989-1999.

○    Summary: This study found that patients who received education about pain mechanisms experienced less post-surgical pain and were better able to manage their pain compared to those who did not receive such education. The findings support the importance of education in the recovery process after surgery.

4Sullivan, M. J. L., et al. (2006). "The Pain Catastrophising Scale: Development and Validation."

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○    Reference: Sullivan, M. J. L., et al. (2006). "The Pain Catastrophising Scale: Development and Validation." Psychological Assessment, 18(4), 450-461.

○    Summary: While this paper doesn't focus solely on education, it underscores the importance of addressing cognitive factors in pain management. Understanding one's pain experiences can help mitigate catastrophizing and improve coping, reinforcing the value of education in pain management.

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Neuroscience, understanding Neuroplasticity

Adams, L. M., & Vowles, K. E. (2021). "The Effects of Pain Neuroscience Education on Pain Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials."

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○    Reference: Adams, L. M., & Vowles, K. E. (2021). "The Effects of Pain Neuroscience Education on Pain Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials." Pain, 162(4), 967-988.

○    Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that pain neuroscience education leads to significant reductions in pain intensity, disability, and catastrophising in individuals suffering from chronic pain. The authors concluded that PNE can be an effective component of multidisciplinary pain management.

Mindfulness, What, and why is it good for pain management? 

Mindfulness is:
“Paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment, non-judgementally” (Jon Kabat-Zinn, 1990)

Mindfulness is increasingly recognized as an effective method for the long-term management of pain and persistent health conditions. Research, including brain imaging studies, indicates that mindfulness practices can soothe brain patterns associated with various types of pain. Regular engagement in mindfulness can lead to structural changes in the brain, resulting in a more manageable pain experience.

 

Additionally, mindfulness has been shown to mitigate some age-related structural changes in the brain. Pain significantly affects cognitive functions, including attention, concentration, and thought processes, as the brain tends to focus intensely on pain signals. This heightened focus can lead to persistent pain when the brain's "zoomed-in" state becomes fixed, creating new neural connections that reinforce the pain experience. Mindfulness practices facilitate the creation of new neural pathways, allowing the brain to "zoom out" from pain sensations.

By increasing the space between pain signals and personal responses, mindfulness helps individuals regain control over their pain and associated thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness exercises encourage a deeper engagement with the present moment, countering the tendency to become overwhelmed by pain and negative thoughts. This enhanced presence can lead to improved quality of life, enabling individuals to make more intentional choices and fully engage with their experiences, even in the context of pain.​