My favorite place to be is enjoying the outside. It is peaceful and relaxing. So where is your nature spot? Some people crave the water, others love the garden. Here are some studies that show what they can do.
Gardens Lift Depression
British scientists divided a group of individuals. Half walked around a local garden and the other half around the mall. Mall walkers felt more tense and depressed where 71% of those in the garden said they felt less stressed, depressed and fatigued. Green can stimulate the senses and provide an escape.
Feeling Anxious, Head to Open Water
I know people who crave being near the water. A Swedish study showed that even hearing water can relieve stress. Gazing at lakes and oceans reduces blood pressure and heart rate.
Need an Immune Boost--visit a forest
Japanese researchers have found that spending time near trees increases the white blood cell count by 50 per cent. These are your disease fighting cells. Japan has gone as far as to encourage forest bathing for its theraputic benefits.
Need to Lose Weight? Go to the Mountains
In Germany scientists brought overweight individuals to an altitude of 8700 feet. They were allowed to eat whatever they wanted, but needed to not exercise for a week. Results were they ate 734 fewer calories and burned 268 more ever day. Evidentally high altitudes encourage leptin, a hormone in your body that increases metabolism and makes you feel less hungry.
Want to Scream--visit a Nature Preserve
The University of California found that wildlife lessoned irritability and agression. A combination of vegetation and animal life is viewed as calming.
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