The Nature Prescription
SPENDING TIME IN NATURE HAS BEEN FOUND TO HELP
REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE , HEART RATE , MUSCLE TENSION ,
AND STRESS .
IT ’ S NO SECRET THAT BEING IMMERSED IN NATURE — whether walking in the woods , strolling around a Lake or simply tending a garden - makes us feel better . One reason is the time spent in nature helps us focus our minds , giving us a greater perspective on ourselves and the world around us . Another is that nature ’ s sounds , smells , and sights can provide soothing relief to our daily worries . And , of course , there ’ s an added bonus to being in a natural environment : ample opportunity to exercise in the fresh air .
Instincts tell us that being in the great outdoors is good for us , but there ’ s also science behind that line of thinking . Increasingly , researchers are examining the positive effects that nature has on physical and mental health , and helping us learn how to maximize those benefits .
Let ’ s face it ; stress as a fact of life . Often , it ’ s caused by everyday hassles that are , for the most part , manageable . But chronic stress has been linked with a variety of physical and mental conditions , including anxiety , depression , heart disease , digestive problems , sleep disorders , and weight gain .
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