Embedded Files
Outside Exposure
Outside Exposure
A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that spending time in nature was associated with lower levels of stress and improved mood. Spending time in nature includes, but is not limited to, walking outdoors or sitting in a park or forest. The researchers suggest that exposure to nature can provide a restorative experience that helps to reduce the negative impact of stress on mental health. Additionally, the study found that the amount of time spent in nature was positively associated with these benefits, suggesting that spending more time in natural environments may have greater mental health benefits.
A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that spending time in nature was associated with higher levels of happiness and well-being. The researchers suggest that this effect may be due to the restorative and stress-reducing qualities of natural environments. Additionally, the study found that the positive effects of nature exposure were particularly strong for people who had a greater appreciation for nature and engaged in nature-based activities such as hiking or gardening. Furthermore, a similar study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that spending time in nature was associated with decreased activity in the part of the brain that is involved in rumination, a process that is linked to depression and anxiety .
Spend Time Oudoors:
Spend Time Oudoors:
Great spots to spend time outside in the North Island of New Zealand include:
The Hamilton Gardens
The Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve Loop
The Karangahake Gorge walk
The Abel Tasman Coast walk
The Cathedral Cove walk
The Okere Falls track
The Cape Reinga walk
The Pouakai Crossing
The Pouaki Circuit
The Tongariro Northern Circuit
The Routeburn Track
And there are many more! But the outdoors doesn't need to be grandiose: your local park is more than enough to get the job done. And if you are looking for something more all-encompassing, a quick search of 'bush walks near me' on Google should do the job!
Remember! The Outside...
Remember! The Outside...
Reduces stress. Nature walks provide an opportunity to escape from the pressures and demands of daily life. Being in nature can help reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and providing a soothing environment away from the stressors of urban settings. The calming sights, sounds, and scents of nature can have a positive impact on the nervous system, leading to a reduction in stress hormones like cortisol.
Improves moods. Engaging in nature walks has been linked to improved mood and emotional well-being. Spending time in natural environments has been shown to increase feelings of happiness, contentment, and relaxation while reducing feelings of anger, tension, and depression. The combination of physical activity, fresh air, and exposure to natural beauty can uplift mood and boost overall mental well-being.
Enhances your cognitive functions (the way your brain works). Nature walks have been associated with improved cognitive function, attention, and concentration. Being in nature allows for a break from constant stimulation and encourages a state of gentle focus called "soft fascination." This relaxed yet engaged state can improve cognitive performance, restore mental energy, and enhance creativity.
Connects you with nature. Engaging in nature walks fosters a sense of connection with the natural world. This connection has been associated with increased life satisfaction, improved self-esteem, and a greater sense of purpose and meaning. Nature walks allow individuals to appreciate the beauty and resilience of the natural environment, promoting a sense of awe, wonder, and ecological consciousness.
Physical Activity
Physical Activity
Research has shown that regular physical activity can have positive effects on mental health, stress, and anxiety. Here are some studies that provide evidence of the effectiveness of physical activity for mental health:
A randomised controlled trial published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that a 12-week exercise program was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in individuals with high levels of anxiety.
An article published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that exercise was associated with a significant reduction in symptoms of depression. This text can be rest by clicking on the following link: (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(18)30227-X/fulltext).
Group Sports
Group Sports
Soccer
Rugby
Netball
Tennis
Cricket
Badmington
Hockey
Volleyball
Basketball
Table tennis
Solo sports
Solo sports
Swimming
Dancing
Golfing
Bicycling/ mountain biking
Kayaking
Ice skating/roller blading
Surfing
Paddle boarding
Bowling
Skiing/snowboarding
Horseback riding
Archery
Gymnastics
Track and field games
Weightlifting
Skateboarding
Martial arts
Fishing
Running
Walking
Jogging
Frisbee golf
Diving
Other physical activities
Other physical activities
Juggling
Hula hooping
Skipping
Yoga
Sauna
Power walking
Pilates
Skateboarding
Hiking
Exercise releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood. It can also get you out in the world, help to reduce any feelings of loneliness and isolation, and put you in touch with other people. Additionally, it's great for your body! Excercise helps keep your muscles and circulatory system healthy and strong. Even a little bit of movement in your daily life will help you see both a physical and mental health improvement.
Results: Does It Work? (Outside Exposure)
Results: Does It Work? (Outside Exposure)
Freya:
Freya:
I found the walk very lovely. It was great to have the sun shining down on me, and even though it was only a walk around a park, it felt refreshing to simply be outside. I finished the walk off with a jog, which I felt had even greater benefits. I could feel my heart pumping, and to combine physical activity with outdoor exposure is greatly relieving - I could feel my worries melting away. I would recommend a walk outside alone to help clear your head and sort through your thoughts. I would recommend a walk outside with friend to help lift your spirits and help you feel happy.
Anonymous Data Results
Anonymous Data Results
Anxiety before Anxiety during Anxiety after
Person 1: 20 20 10
Person 2: 25 10 10
Person 3: 40 20 30
Person 4: 30 20 10
Person 5: 32 29 25
ANXIETY SCALE IS TO THE RIGHT
Averaged results show the average anxiety results show a level of 29 before outdoor exposure, which decreases to 20 during the exposure, and continues to decrease to 17 after exposure.
These results suggests that after completing an outdoor exposure, an individual should experience up to a 58.62% decrease in their anxiety levels from their initial level.
Please note that the anonymous data results only contain a section of research conducted. Results displayed do not accurately represent every single data point. Additionally, there have been incidents when anxiety has dropped while completing outside exposure, only to return to intial levels after. Other experience show no change when completing outdoor exposure, but a decrease after completion. Results and effectiveness are different for all individuals. Please note that if you do begin to feel that outdoor exposure is not effective for you, you are not alone, and you should move on to a different coping mechanism.
Page updated
Report abuse