Many people love to spend time outdoors. Something about the fresh air, natural serenity, and beautiful scenery always seems to put people in a better mood.
This is no coincidence- nature has incredible healing powers. When you spend a lot of time outside, you will feel the effects of being outdoors on your mental and physical well-being. Not only is nature a natural de-stressor, but it also contributes to feelings of contentment and peace.
Here are some of the many benefits of nature and how you can optimize your use of its natural mood-lifting vibrations.
1. Nature lowers your stress hormones
In a study done by Yoshifumi Miyazaki, a forest therapist and scholar, he determined that people who spend time walking outdoors have lower levels of cortisol, which is the primary stress hormone. Trees and plants naturally release aromatic particles, similar to aromatherapy, which can cause positive changes to your body when smelt. This is partly why the fresh air feels so good to breathe in.
Taking a walk in the forest or even a park is said to have similar effects. Being surrounded by green wildlife will promote relaxation and lower your stress. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, taking a trip outdoors will surely help.
2. Nature lowers your blood pressure
Multiple studies have shown that spending time in nature lowers blood pressure. This is an amazing feat, especially when you consider that blood pressure affects 1 in 3 Americans. According to a large study done in 2016, taking a walk in a park for just 30 minutes can get people’s high blood pressure under control. It’s one of the best treatment methods!
Nature is beautiful and undemanding. Spending time outdoors takes you away from the fast-paced living of our society today. It promotes mindfulness and quiets racing thoughts, allowing you to step away from all the stresses of your life that contribute to high blood pressure.
3. Nature decreases the risk of cancer, heart disease, and mental disorders
People who live in areas surrounded by nature have a much lower risk of death caused by cancer and heart disease. This is partly because of the lack of polluted air and also because of nature’s contributions to your health.
In fact, nature actually promotes the growth of white blood cells, which are associated with fighting cancer. They also support the immune system by reducing inflammation, fighting off infections, and lowering the risk of heart disease or diabetes. Individuals who take regular walks outdoors increase their white blood cell count by about 50%. These levels can remain high for months!
Nature also helps lower the risk of mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Fewer people suffer from this disease when they live amongst nature than those who live in cities. According to a study done in 2015 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, people who live or spend time in nature have less activity in the part of the brain connected to depression.
Most scientists believe that the ability of nature to assist in fighting mental disorders is a combination of the physiological benefits of lowering stress hormones and blood pressure and the natural uplifting feelings that nature bestows.
4. Nature promotes feelings of happiness and empathy
It’s no great surprise that nature promotes feelings of happiness and peace. One only has to venture into the forest to figure this out. Spending time outdoors allows you to disconnect from the busyness of life and promotes a sense of calm that is difficult to achieve in your daily life. Even short 30 minute walks through the woods can provide significant improvements to your mood, which can impact the rest of your day.
Nature also makes people feel connected to something much larger than themselves. This makes them more likely to consider others with a more empathetic and compassionate view. They will behave less selfishly and with more kindness. This further spreads the feelings of happiness, like a cycle of joy. Nature provides one person with happiness, who then goes on to provide others with it.
5. Nature raises your vibes!
Everything in this world is composed of energy, which vibrates at a specific frequency. Vibrations create electromagnetic energy waves, which are linked to physiological changes in the body. In other words, the frequencies you are surrounded by can change how your body functions on both a physical and mental level.
Nature vibrates at a very high energetic frequency. When you spend time outdoors, nature will cause your own vibrations to rise as well, putting you at a much higher frequency. High vibrations are linked to more positive thoughts, happier feelings, and greater amounts of energy.
When your vibes rise, your mood will as well. The high frequencies can cleanse your energy and leave you feeling much more connected to yourself. Nature will leave your soul feeling renewed and more connected to the world.
Spend more time in nature with a Galveston-based Women’s Retreat!
Life coach Rachel Stokes offers the amazing opportunity to connect with other women at her Galveston Women’s Retreat. In the fast-paced urbanization of our world, it can be difficult to find spare time to spend time in nature. It can also be challenging to step away from the need to always be working towards some goal. However, so many studies have reported the significant benefits of nature on our physical and mental health.
The fact is that humans are not meant to be living in concrete, metal cities, constantly running around and working. Though the city lifestyle can be thrilling and fun, it’s critical to find a balance. One of the best choices you can make for your physical and mental health is by making a point to spend more time outdoors. Rachel’s Galveston retreat is the perfect combination of spending time in the Gulf’s natural beauty while offering you the opportunity to join like-minded women in a safe and sacred space based on co-creation and life fulfillment.
To learn more about the Galveston Women’s Retreat and how you will spend more time soaking in all the wonderful benefits of the natural world, please contact Rachel Stokes at 713-515-7484 or email rachelstokeslifecoaching@gmail.com.