New REACT! Loss Prevention Posters Published on Mental Health

Studies have shown that nature is central to our emotional and psychological health. In the 1960s, research conducted in the United States showed that a patient's recovery significantly improved when they had views of the natural environment during hospitalisation as compared to those not given such outlooks.

This concept of Nature therapy was then further developed in Japan during the 1980s, creating a practice known as Shinrin-Yoku, which stands for 'forest bathing'. The activity consists of walking into forests and woodlands and using all five senses to connect with their environment and clear the mind. These activities have shown that they could lower cortisol levels, lower blood pressure and improve memory and concentration.

Evidence suggests that we would tend to experience these benefits when exposed to nature for anywhere between 5 minutes to 3 hours - the purpose of the exercise is to hold people's attention to the present moment, giving the mind and the body a chance to relax from the stresses of everyday life. We have adopted this practice for the seafarers onboard ships with our 'Mindful Moments' poster.