For more than twenty years, scientists have been trying to determine the mechanism by which exposure to wood improves health — and numerous findings have identified that using natural materials, particularly wood, in the interior space of a building, has physiological and psychological benefits that mimic the effects of spending time in nature.
The findings suggest that people appear to be innately drawn towards wood; and for the most part, the subject generally shows a strong and positive preference for interior spaces that feature many wood details.
There also appears to be a strong assurance that the presence of wood can help to fabricate healthful environments — and commonly evoked descriptors for wood interiors include; warm, comfortable, relaxing, cosy, organic, intimate and inviting.
However, our increasing urbanisation has never been faster than it is today; which simply means that people have less access to nature in their daily lives.
This reality, alongside our fast-growing population, long working hours and increased screen time, is encouraging a rapid disappearance of the possibility for us to turn to nearby forests and woodlands for a breath of fresh, pure air in the middle of a stressful day.
Hence, now more than ever, it is essential to rebuild our connection with nature by understanding how to incorporate wood into our indoor environment and benefit both physically and mentally from this bond.
Bringing a piece of the forest into your home through wooden furnishings and architectural fixtures can actually contribute to your overall wellbeing.
A recent in-depth report titled ‘Wood — Housing, Health, Humanity’, by the Planet Ark Environmental Foundation demonstrates that constant exposure to wood interiors has significant positive effects that replicate those created by spending time in natural surroundings.
Similar studies like those of Planet Ark’s have revealed parallel results that support this idea: wood exposure is great for your health.
Over the last couple of years, the effects of timber products on our minds and bodies have become a subject of interest worldwide.
Wooden products and home decoration have also been shown to benefit health even while you are asleep. Sleeping in wooden beds not only lowers blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety but also improves a person’s emotional state and relaxation level.
