So many things in life can cause stress. Your finances, job, health, children, and home environment can all cause stress. Caring for aging parents also adds to your stress. Did you know that going out into nature is one of the easiest ways to de-stress? Studies find that being out in the fresh air and sun can help reduce stress and make you feel more at ease. Here’s why.
Natural Environments Ease Stress
Several studies have found that being in a natural environment eases stress. The Attention Restoration Theory involves the idea that humans relax in situations that tie into their natural instinct to survive. Plants and water are two of the items nature delivers that are needed for survival. As a result, you feel more relaxed when surrounded by them.
Walking in Nature is More Relaxing
Walking on a forest trail where you’re surrounded by trees and streams has proven to be more relaxing than walking inside. One study measured the physiological reactions in different situations. Those who walked outside in nature was more soothing and relaxing than walking inside on a treadmill or up and down hallways.
A Stanford study looked at people who spent at least 90 minutes walking in a natural area like a park or nature train were less likely to be depressed. The study looked at people who would walk outside in a city setting for 90 minutes and others who walked in a natural area. Those surrounded by nature had less activity in the part of the brain that’s linked to depression and mood.
Sunlight Improves Your Mood
Too much sun increases your risk for skin cancer and sunburn. At the same time, too little time in the sun is just as bad. Sun is a natural source of vitamin D, which is important for bone health. It helps your body’s sleep patterns by boosting serotonin levels. Sun is also good at improving your mood.
You may have heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder. That form of seasonal depression occurs as days grow shorter and there’s less sun as a result. Sun is important to keep your mood stabilized and happier. Part of it is due to the same serotonin that helps you sleep.
Caregivers Help You Get Outside
When you care for your parents, you may struggle to find time to get outside. Elderly care services are one way to make sure you have the time you need to go for walks and explore nature.
Hire caregivers to provide a break for a few hours. Use that time to walk around a local park or hike up a local hillside or mountainside trail. Call an elderly care agency to make arrangements.
If you or an aging loved one needs Elderly Care in Lincoln, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5981243/
https://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/
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