Nature Walks are Truly Healing More Than You Might Think

RVAchironeuro • October 31, 2022

10.31.2022               

 

Hello everyone:

We all have stress and many of us are looking for ways to lower stress and improve our health. It looks like walking does it again (please recall my last newsletter/blog) as now we know that it helps take us out of stress mode. Here is a little information to help clarify the quote from the article: The  amygdala  is primarily involved in the processing of emotions and memories associated with fear, in other words, the stress response also known as fight, flight or freeze.

Here is the definition of salutogenic: a ‘salutogenic’ approach is  one that focuses on factors that support health and wellbeing , beyond a more traditional, ‘pathogenic’ focus on risk and problems. This is the type of healthcare that we offer in our practice.

Now as you read the quote below it becomes clear that going outside is an essential nutrient.

“To conclude, our results demonstrate that exposure to nature for one hour decreases amygdala activity and can have salutogenic effects on brain regions related to stress. This suggests that going for a walk out in nature may buffer detrimental effects of urban environment on stress-related brain regions, and in turn potentially act as a preventive measure against developing a mental disorder.”

Here is some more information:

“Spending time in nature can help relieve stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and boost feelings of happiness and wellbeing. Whatever you call it – forest bathing, ecotherapy, mindfulness in nature, green time, or the wilderness cure — humans evolved in the great outdoors, and your brain benefits from a journey back to nature.”

Bottom Line: As often as possible, make it a regular part of your routine to include going outside for a walk or hike…taking care of yourself is important as we are all now coming to realize that self-care is not selfish but allows us to serve better in all capacities.

 

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