A study conducted by scientists from the University of Zurich (UZH) revealed that living in urban conditions leads to chronic stress, as the human brain and body are still adapted to the conditions of the wild, reports Lenta.ru.
According to the research published on the university's website, human evolution involved adaptation to short bursts of stress, such as encounters with predators, rather than to the constant noise and rush of a metropolis.
During the experiment, participants spent time both in the forest and in an urban environment. The results showed that being in nature contributed to lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, as well as improved mood and concentration. In contrast, urban conditions were associated with increased blood pressure, impaired cognitive functions, and higher inflammatory markers.
The authors of the study note that the modern human body reacts to everyday stresses—such as transportation, gadgets, and a busy schedule—in the same way it would respond to a real threat to life. Scientists believe that to restore internal balance, it is necessary to spend more time outdoors, develop green spaces, and consider human biological rhythms when designing cities.
