Nature Therapy Reduces Stress

Green & Serene; Nature Therapy Reduces Stress

Nature offers therapeutic benefits and reduces stress according to a recent study from the National Institute of Health.

Mindfulness, mantras, fitness and new age therapy are all devoted to finding ways to enhance wellbeing, joy, and alternately to decrease stress levels. Combating the effects of stress are increasingly important for all of us as we manage demanding lives. One of the best ways natural ways to enhance feelings of wellbeing is by practicing fitness or some form of exercise therapy. In many studies, cardio vascular exercise is explored and compared with placebos and even pharmacology and it is verified to significantly impact and reduce the symptoms associate with anxiety and depression. Yet, there seems to be new evidence that we can even further enhance the benefits of exercise.

Increasingly, we learn that the great outdoors may have many secrets to enhancing our wellness potential. In fact in a 2013 study published by the National Institute of Health, cortisol levels were measured in people who had taken a long walk indoors and others who had done the same walk outdoors in a green serene setting. Those who had gotten their cardio amidst the trees had significantly less cortisol in their saliva than those who were indoors. Peaceful outdoorsy people have long felt the call of the wild and reported the great benefit of getting their fitness fix by hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. We know that we can boost endorphins and decrease cortisol levels from the experience of being outdoors. Keep in mind the Cortisol is a hormone produced in the body by the adrenal glands, its activating presence leads to the physical responses involved in “fight or flight.” When cortisol is contained in overabundance in our bodies it can lead to many forms of disease, weight gain, and chronic stress to name a few. So in short, discovering ways to reduce cortisol’s overabundance in our bodies is vital, the mental health community is ready to explore many ways to expound upon the health benefits of spending more time outdoors.

Here are a few of our therapists top 12 to be well, ways to enjoy the outdoors:

Learn to forage for wild edible plants and berries with an expert guide.

Take your lunch break outdoors, even a ten minute walk helps.

Learn how to do a walking meditation.

Create an outdoor space at your home.

Pack a picnic with your dog or your partner.

Try to go camping.

Do some star gazing.

Take a flower sniffing tour.

Plant a garden and make some farm to table meals of your own.

Pick up litter, we can even be altruistic with our wellness.

Ask your therapist to do an outdoor walking session.

Take an outdoor fitness  or yoga

class.

We love western Pennsylvania and finding ways to enhance wellness with our abundant green outdoor spaces.

This short wellness moment is brought to you by our licensed professional counselors and wellness providers at The Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh.

Be Well Pittsburgh, Monroeville, and Western Pennsylvania!

830 Western Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15233

2539 Monroeville BLVD Monroeville PA 15146