A walk in Nature- Its benefits for us

On my morning walk today, I could see a wide empty roads without vehicles. The natural world seems so alive, my skin could feel that cold and aromatic breeze, even hearing whispers of birds. The experience was more like a visceral knowing of satisfaction. I feel refreshed and alive.

A nature walk not only make us feel happy, refresh and relaxing. It improves memory functions.

 A study found that a person working and residing with more green space had higher cognitive development than those who had access to less green space.  In another study who took a morning walk did better on a memory test compared to those who walk on the urban streets. Nature allows us to be more attentive to our surroundings.

 Military studies show that soldiers from rural area are more vigilant in war zones and can spot hidden bombs that other miss.  Spending time in nature increases the attention span of children with ADHD.Nature can increase the recovery rate in hospital patients. It can also help patients to cope with the pain.

 Children’s who grow up near nature become happier adults. They also have 55% less risk of developing mental health problems later in life. Green space encourages physical activity and social interaction. Nature inspires feelings that connect us to each other and our environment.

 When nature scenes are shown, the parts of the brain associated with empathy and  love lit up on FMRI (functional MRI)  however, when urban scenes are shown the parts of the brain associated with fear and anxiety will activate.   I literally experienced this feeling of anxiousness while entering back to Bangalore [Metro city] from my native Kottur  [A Taluk place with less populated place with moderate greenery].

 Even you might have experienced it.  Time spent in nature decreases expose to noise and air pollution and may improve body’s immune system.Also, people suffering from mild to major depression disorders show uplift in their moods when exposed to nature. They feel more motivated and energized.10-30 minutes of walk or meditations in nature can lower your level of cortisol which is a stress hormone, lowers bad mood and in turn positively affects on blood pressure and heart rate.

 So wake up early and go for a morning walk, try to stay connected to nature. If you don’t have an option to go for a walk in nature, at least meditate listening to nature sound relaxing music and seeing the nature scenes and feel the change.