According to Taking Charge, ‘Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings.’ Studies have shown that being amongst nature can reduce blood pressure, ease muscle tension, and raise endorphin levels.
Research from Science Daily reported that ‘exposure to greenspace reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death and stress.’ In a tech-focused world, many of us have lost our connection with nature. To boost your health, here are five easy ways to reconnect with the natural world.
1 . Hiking
Hiking is an amazing way to experience the natural world. It’s a wonderful form of exercise, to raise endorphin levels and get your heart rate pumping. You might like to hike alone, with friends, or even join a local hiking group. To help you discover info about the best hikes in your area, check out apps like All Trails. The app can help you find hiking trails around the world. Whether you want to go hiking, running, or biking, there are plenty of different trail options.
2. Gardening
Gardening is an amazing way to reconnect with nature, you can grow your own vegetables and plants, and create a beautiful space. Growing your own vegetables can help you to improve your diet, go green and learn new skills. It’s a therapeutic hobby which can help you to feel more relaxed, and get some exercise. Improving your garden isn’t just about plants, it is about improving your home. Use patio furniture and garden ornaments, to design an inviting space.
3. Wild Swimming
Swimming has so many benefits, from relaxation to exercise. If the weather is a little cold, no worries! Coldwater swimming can improve your health in many ways too. Studies show that cold water swimming can increase your metabolism, improve your circulation and boost your immune system. If you are swimming in cold water, be sure to follow safety guidelines.
4. Try Foraging
Foraging is the practice of gathering foods in the wild, these foods might include plants, herbs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, or mushrooms. The best way to go foraging is to try a foraging workshop. During a workshop, you’ll learn exactly which plants you can and cannot eat from the wild. Many foraging experiences include a wild cooking element, to help you cook the herbs and plants.
5. Go Camping
When was the last time you went camping? Camping is plenty of fun whether you’re going with friends or taking the kids. It’s the perfect way to switch off from technology and embrace the natural world. Camping is a great opportunity to practice fun activities whether it’s boating, sports, bird watching, or biking. It’s the ideal inexpensive holiday to relax and unwind.
There are so many ways that you can reconnect with nature. Spending more time outdoors can help you to learn new skills, improve your health, and practice a greener lifestyle. Nature helps us to improve both our physical and mental health
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