Forest-bathing and physical activity as weapons against COVID-19: a review

Strengthening the immune system in order to better withstand the threat of COVID-19 is an important way to ensure the
protection of our health against the current pandemic associated with SARS-CoV-2. There are many ways to achieve this, but
with current circumstances, certain modalities stand out as being the most valid and are certainly worth greater consideration.
Here we review the efects that particular immuno-strengthening activities can have on limiting the severity of COVID-19
disease as well as preventing virus infection. Physical activity, in particular, should not be discounted as an important method
of prevention of viral diseases as it triggers many biological processes within the human body which in turn lead to heightened
natural defences against viral infections. When exercise is performed in forested areas, these protective health benefts may
be increased since many plant species emit biogenic volatile compounds (VOCs) which, when inhaled, have many protective
properties. These VOCs have been shown in particular to have immunostimulatory efects on the human body and, thus, they
could be of use in the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19. Being amongst trees may also help to alleviate stress and
anxiety, lowering cortisol levels and consequently helping the proper functioning of the immune system. In the following
work, we have performed an analysis of the available scientifc literature which looks at the efects of physical exercise as
well as ‘forest-bathing’ on the immune system’s ability to fght disease, especially of course as it relates to COVID-19. Our
review aims at shedding light on the benefts of exercising outdoors in green areas and suggests reforestation as a protective
measure against future outbreaks.

Forest-bathing and physical activity as weapons against COVID-19: a review

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