Time in Nature May be the Ultimate Healer
People who suffer from depression, obesity and a number of other complaints may benefit from more time spent in nature, according to a recent report.
Natures Medicine – This means that if you are depressed, obese, anxious, or feeling a general lack of well-being, you should consider spending more time not just outdoors but in nature. City dwellers should make an effort not just to run laps around the park, but actually get outside of the city to be with trees, grass, blue skies and fresh air. The benefits are well worth the investment.
How Can Spending Time in Nature Benefit You?
Recent studies suggest that individuals can benefit from time in nature in a number of ways:
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Reduction in depression and the need for anti-depressant medications
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Low incidence of obesity
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Lower incidence of allergies
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Increased life expectancy
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Reduced blood pressure among pregnant women
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Increased sense of self-esteem
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Overall increased wellness
If you want to improve your overall health and mental and emotional well-being, spending time in nature is an easy, positive step in the right direction. While spending time outside of an urban environment and in a rural one is ideal, some studies suggest that urban dwellers benefit simply from having more trees planted along city blocks.
How Does Nature Medicine Work as a Healer?
It seems that part of the healing power of nature is simply the sense of relaxation that humans experience in a natural environment. This helps us slow down and reap the benefits of relaxation, rather than worrying about our busy lives. Additionally, time in nature often equates to time being physically active: walking, hiking or whatever your favorite outdoor activity may be. Rather than being sedentary, as many of us are prone to, spending time in nature encourages activity. This would explain some of the positive benefits.
Many individuals have understood intuitively that spending time in nature can be a powerful, healing experience. We now have research that supports this.
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