Bad Days Made Better
We’ve all been there. A day that just isn’t what it’s planned out to be, whether it’s battling the ever-jamming copier machine or dealing with a disgruntled employee. Your frustration grows more intense and your focus wanes. You muster enough willpower to take a step outside, and almost instantaneously the weight lifts from your shoulders. Theres a reason for that…
Nature is Healing
Whether it be a ten-minute lunchbreak jaunt or an all-day excursion, time spent in nature, no matter the amount, has in fact been proven to be beneficial to your overall health and well-being in more ways than one. Connectedness to nature not only benefits mood and mental health, but can also boost immune function and even promote better breathing, (thank you, greenery!).
Blue Hues and Green Spaces
From lush green forests to bright blue bodies of water, nature is filled with incredible coloring. But did you know that there is an exceptional effect created by light and color on the health of humans? In fact, this particular portion of the color spectrum directly and positively impacts cognitive function, enhances sleep, and boosts overall mood.
According to the Health Research Authority, therapeutic benefits of green and blue spaces (‘green’ – defined as open, undeveloped land with natural vegetation; ‘blue’ – visible surface water such as lakes, rivers or coastal waters but can include urban water like canals or ponds), include a reduction in cortisol levels, blood pressure, cholesterol and increases in self-reported health.
Ecotherapy – Get Outside!
The beneficial effects of nature result not only from what people see but from what they experience through other senses as well. In a recent study conducted by environmental psychologist Jesper J. Alvarsson, participants recovered more quickly from psychological stress when they were exposed to nature sounds (from a fountain and tweeting birds) than when they were exposed to road traffic noise.
Some common examples of ecotherapy include nature meditation (in a natural place such as a park or nature preserve), horticultural therapy (the use of plants and gardening activities), physical exercise in a natural environment (walking, cycling, yoga), and involvement in conservation activities (Hello, North Branch!).
Join Us!
On Sunday, August 10th, North Branch Land Trust invites you to a Yoga in the Forest event at our George & Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary in Foster Township. Join us for a morning of nature inspired yoga led by certified yoga instructor, Gerri Simmers, where participants will learn more about our innate connection to nature during a peaceful yoga practice. Bring your own yoga mat!
For more information and to register, visit nblt.org.
While you’re visiting the website, please explore all the ways North Branch Land Trust conserves and stewards the lands and waters of Northeastern Pennsylvania! In our 30+ years and with almost 25,000 acres conserved, the Land Trust has been a force for conservation in Northeastern Pennsylvania through the generosity of our supporters. Please consider supporting the conservation mission of North Branch Land Trust….to keep it going!..
Featured Image (top): Heart Rock at George and Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary in Foster Twp., PA. Photo courtesy of North Branch Land Trust.
