Many people experience their mind and body calming down in nature. Based on measurements, it is known that being in nature reduces blood pressure and slows down the heart rate. Perceived psychological effects include improved mood, clearer thoughts, enhanced creativity and concentration, and overall mental rejuvenation. Nature also has social well-being effects: many enjoy sharing nature experiences with others, reinforcing the positive feelings evoked by these experiences. Nature also has economic well-being effects. Gathering berries and mushrooms for personal use saves money and diversifies the diet, and natural resources can also be collected for sale. Utilizing the health benefits of nature reduces both individual and societal social and health care costs. Regionally, nature can increase economic well-being by expanding business opportunities, such as in nature tourism.

Well-being for all

In an accessible nature destination, movement is facilitated by removing obstacles and improving pathways. Access to bird watching towers, viewing platforms, fire pits, restrooms, and other structures is made possible for visitors for whom it would otherwise be difficult or impossible. Although making nature destinations accessible often requires modifying the environment, efforts are made to alter nature as little as possible, only as much as necessary. A demanding accessible nature destination is often undeveloped and natural, and physically more challenging than a regular accessible nature destination. In Punkaharju, you can explore accessibility solutions and the well-being effects of nature at Karjalankallionlaavu and on a demanding accessible nature trail.