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AWARE Ink Newsletter

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Green Spaces Provide Easy Access to the Energy-Giving Benefits of Nature

Perhaps you recall the list of items published in the AWARE Ink about activities or practices that give you energy? We’ll continue working through that list in this June issue with the discussion of nature as an energy giver.


There’s a reason why Montana is dubbed the Big Sky Country.

 

Step outside your front door, and more than likely, you’ll find bright blue skies as far as you can see – on a clear day, anyway. Those blue skies make way for some of the best access to Montana nature.


Maybe you can even imagine feeling the bright sun on your skin and fresh air in your lungs as you read? That’s great! Just the thought of being in nature is already giving you energy.

 

Many of us have our favorite places to go to and have probably been going for years. But without looking far, green spaces in nature can be found easily, whether it’s a hiking trail on the edge of town or a park just up the street.

 

How lucky are we?

 

Green spaces can be described as areas specifically set aside for recreation in nature, especially in urban areas. They often include outdoor spaces that are landscaped or covered in vegetation such as parks, gardens or forests and have elements like picnic areas or play areas for public use[1].

 

Access most often is free, and they can also probably be used all year round. Don’t forget – using these green spaces has many energy-giving benefits.

 

We’ve already discussed the positive physical benefits of sunlight and vitamin D. It’s the magical elixir that supports bones, blood sugar and your immune system – let’s not forget mood.

 

But also, stepping out in nature provides opportunities to be active – choose your favorite movement. Physical activity in nature promotes healthy weight, cortisol reduction, muscle tension release, and lowers heart rate and blood pressure[2].

 

Researchers have found that just 15 minutes of spending time in forested green areas reduced depression and increased mental relaxation[3]. When you’re in nature, especially in dense forests, mountains, parks, waterfalls, springs, the beach or after a rainstorm, you may experience the positive benefits of the abundance of negative ions[4].

 

Simply put, negative ions are invisible charged particles of a molecule or atom that produce biochemical reactions in the bloodstream to support mood, among other physical benefits. Inhaling them in outdoor settings helps you feel recharged and rejuvenated, alleviating depression and relieving stress.

 

As you might guess, a break in nature also boosts feelings of pleasure and relaxes the mind, helping with concentration. The late Steve Jobs, Apple technology inventor, was known to take long walks in the garden at Apple Parks to clear his mind for problem solving. He often invited people on walking meetings to increase creativity.

 

So if you’re in need of a little boost to your mood and energy, take a page out of Steve’s book. Step outside for a deep breath of nature. Your mental wellness will thank you for it.

 

Wellness in the next issue of Ink

 

Improved sleep is also a positive benefit of spending time in nature because natural light helps regulate the sleep-wake cycles. We’ll dive deeper into sleep as an energy giver in the July issue of AWARE Ink.

 


 

[1] Kiplagat, A. K., Koech, J. K., Ng'etich, J. K., Lagat, M. J., Khazenzi, J. A., & Odhiambo, K. O. (2022). Urban green space characteristics, visitation patterns and influence of visitors’ socio-economic attributes on visitation in Kisumu City and Eldoret Municipality, Kenya. Trees, Forests and People, 7, 100175.[2] 3 ways getting outside into nature helps improve your health. (May 30, 2024). UC Davis Health.

[3] Song, C., Ikei, H., Park, B. J., Lee, J., Kagawa, T., & Miyazaki, Y. (2018). Psychological benefits of walking through forest areas. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(12), 2804.[4] Healthy Living Info. (May 30, 2024). When A Negative Is Positive – How Exposing Yourself To More Negative Ions Can have a Positive Effect On Your Health. https://holisticlakewood.com/when-a-negative-is-positive/

 

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