Over the last 30 years, people have been spending less time outdoors and immersing themselves in nature. Similarly, people’s stress levels and pace of life have increased tremendously. We now live in a high-speed world, where our work and personal life rush together in a blur of activity. Information streams into you faster than any other time in human history.
We can thank the ever-evolving advancements of technology for this one. Our lives seem to be getting faster and more frantic than ever. We can’t seem to complete or accomplish things fast enough. With that, it can feel as though your internal gear has just 2 speeds: fast and faster. This is why it is important to be able to pop into neutral and breathe.
We sell assistive technology for the home to help make life easier but what do you do when it comes to the mind and body? The natural assistive technology – Nature!
Let’s Refresh & Reconnect
It was Richard Louv who coined the term ”nature deficit disorder” to help describe a form of suffering that comes from a sense of disconnection from nature and its powers.
We all know that getting outside in the fresh air is good for us, good for the mind and soul and with the last few years we’ve had we could do with something good. Research has shown that by simply being in nature, living near nature or even looking at photos of it can have positive impacts on our brains, bodies, feelings and social interactions.
7 Benefits of Spending Time in Nature:
Improved short term memory
Going for walk is great, a study from the University of Michigan has shown just how brilliant Mother Nature actually is. Those who took part were split into 2 groups. One group went for a walk in nature versus the other group who went for a walk in the city. When they returned and had to perform a memory test, the group who took a walk in nature performed 20% better.
Restored mental energy
Have you ever felt wiped out? Like you don’t have the metal capacity to carry out what you already have on your plate?
Well, there are studies to show that being out in nature can give you a mental boost. Many have found that being out in nature had them feeling more calm and balanced.
Stress relief
When we are stressed there is more cortisol in our bodies (the stress hormone). A great way to rid high levels of cortisol is get your heart pumping with exercise and being outdoors. Both can help in the release of stress and the production of dopamine (the feel good hormone).
In fact, studies have found that people who spent 2 nights in the forest had lower cortisol levels as well as heart rates than those who spent time in the city.
Whether it’s camping or glamping, it’s certainly good for the heart and the body.
Reduced inflammation
Inflammation is a part of life and sadly we hear more about it as we age. You might be happy to know that studies involving elderly patients who were sent on a week long trip into the forest showed reduced signs of inflammation as well as a positive effect on their high blood pressure.
Improved concentration
It might sound like a contradiction but disconnecting can in fact help you concentrate. Taking a break in the great outdoors can help you improve your concentration by giving your brain that well-needed break. Leave the phone at home and let your mind unwind from the over stimulation brought on by the modern, busy lifestyle.
Boost for the immune system
There was a Japanese study that showed women who spent 6 hours in the woods over a 2 day period increased their white blood cells, which helps fight off the likes of cold, flues and viruses.
It can also help you increase the production of vitamin D is the body, being out in nature/out in the sun, helps your body produce vitamin D which aids healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis.
Improved mental health
There are studies that have found, that walks in the forest were specifically associated with decreased levels of anxiety and bad moods. Outdoor walks could be ”useful clinically as a supplement to existing treatments” for major depressive disorders.
After your adventures outside, there is nothing like a hot cuppa and a sweet treat. Why not make life that little bit easier with your own Uccello Kettle too.
Sources:
- Japanese Journal of Hygiene, 2011; Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, 2012
- Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, 2012; Journal of Cardiology, 2012
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18394317
- Environmental Science and Technology, 2010; Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012; Journal of Affective Disorders, 2013
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