Nature is Nurturing.
Two University of Michigan professors, Stephen and Rachel Kaplan, are doing some very fascinating research into the psychological benefits of nature.
Now, we active menopausal women already get the link between nature and psychological nurturance, however, I find their work worth sharing.
Trees, grass, gardens, and the like have a profound and positive impact on both mental and physical health.
Some of their findings:
The psychological health of cancer patients improved dramatically after they spent 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week, doing restorative activities such as gardening or walking in the woods.
A study of AIDS caregivers found that the single most powerful factor in avoiding stress-related burnout was “locomotion in nature”—walking, running, biking or canoeing (the quickest way to burnout was watching television).
The natural setting doesn’t have to be big or pristine to have a positive effect. Most of all, it has to be nearby.
How does brain function figure in?
Nature’s power comes down to brain function.
The source of much mental distress is the overuse of “directed attention”—concentration on work, for example.
To sustain this attention is difficult and fatiguing, and not just for the mind but for your body as well.
To escape the discomforts of mental fatigue, people often turn to what the Kaplan’s call “hard fascination” events—–the internet and TV, for example.
These activities are loud, bright and commanding.
They are engaging and fun but they DON’T allow for mental rest.
“Soft fascination” however, like a stroll on a beach or a walk in the woods, provides pleasure that compliments the gentle stimulation.
The brain soaks up these pleasing images and it also can wander and reflect and recuperate.
Yes, we intuitively know this!
So let’s remember this and use nature to nurture us if we feel frazzled or upset.
Send along any of your favorite nurturing tips and we’ll all benefit!
Shelli
Leave a Reply