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{{label}}24 January 2019
In October 2018, a news that made headlines on doctors in Scotland's Shetland Islands prescribing “nature” as part of patients' treatment for chronic illnesses.
Whether it is the Japanese forest bathing or asana yoga, nature inspired practices are now being widely embraced, not just as a means of escape from the daily stresses of life but also for its many health benefits. Here are 4 unique nature inspired activities that we can try to improve our health.
Also called ‘earthing’ or ‘grounding’, the simple act of taking off your shoes and walking barefoot on grass can nourish your mind, body and soul.
Our feet have many reflexology zones that correspond to various organs of our body, including the eyes. The second, third and fourth toes are the main reflexology pressure points for the eyes.[1] Stimulating these points can help improve eyesight. In addition, looking at the green colour of the grass is soothing to the eyes.[2]
Walking barefoot is a great exercise for your feet as it strengthens and stretches the muscles, tendons and ligaments in your feet, ankles and calves. This helps prevent injury, knee strain and back problems. It also improves flexor strength which is beneficial for those with flat feet.
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411015000905
[2] https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-green-2795817
Have you heard of ‘sun gazing’? Try watching the sunrise before going to work or view the sunset after work, not only to experience the beauty of it but to also obtain its many benefits.
The sun is the most direct natural source of Vitamin D which changes to calcium and phosphorus in the body that encourages the production of endorphins. This hormone gives you that feel good feeling which elevates happiness and satisfaction, preventing depression.
The ultraviolet rays of the sun, that are known to be the most damaging, are at the lowest during sunrise and sunset, making it the perfect time to recharge your energy levels. The sun can heal certain skin diseases (allergies, eczema)[1] and can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis.[2]
[1] https://www.verywellhealth.com/does-sun-exposure-help-eczema-82721
[2] https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/vitamin-d-for-osteoporosis
Ever looked up at the sky to watch the clouds slowly go by and wonder what shape it resembled? If you did that as a child, there are more healthy reasons to continue doing it now.
It is hard to stay focused when you are surrounded by so many distractions but cloud gazing can help improve our concentration levels. Try looking at the clouds for 30 seconds without losing your attention. Over time you will be able to keep your focus on the clouds rather than on random thoughts. This will help improve your attention span and make you more focused on the things that matter in your life.
Trying to determine the shape of the clouds is already a sign of using your imagination. Cloud gazing enables you to open your mind as vast as the sky, boosting your inner creativity and helping you generate new ideas.
Why meditate indoors, when you can get more benefits doing it outdoors?? The use of nature and outdoor space in meditation has been proven to yield major health benefits.
According to a Harvard study, outdoor meditation can reduce hypertension and lower blood pressure, temporarily. While more studies are required on its long-term effect, meditating in the serenity of nature can undoubtedly reduce stress and promote a sense of natural healing.
Over 600 research studies conducted on meditation agree that it has the power to improve mental health, from depression to schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). By practicing this healing art outdoors – as nature fully nourishes our senses with its sight, sounds and smells, making us feel more intrinsically connected to the world – you can experience a tremendous boost to your mental health.
Research has shown that those who live near natural surroundings or devote more time in nature, have better physical and mental health.[1] Spending time in nature is known to boost your immunity. Japanese researchers, for example, found that people who lived closer to or near forests had significantly lower rates of lung, breast, uterine, prostate, kidney, and colon cancers. For those living in the city, we must not forget the healing powers of nature that can heal, soothe, restore and connect our mind, body and soul.
[1]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/240033610_How_nature_contributes_to_mental_and_physical_health
References
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/10/05/health/nature-prescriptions-shetland-intl/index.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3709294/
http://thewoodsresorts.com/blog/health-benefits-of-walking-barefoot/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/9-stunning-benefits-watching-sunrise-jennifer-elizabeth-masters
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3010965/
https://www.ehe.health/blog/outdoor-meditation
https://www.wbur.org/commonhealth/2018/04/06/harvard-study-relax-genes
https://benthamopen.com/contents/pdf/TOPHJ/TOPHJ-1-1.pdf
https://gulfnews.com/going-out/society/nature-is-all-around-us--just-reach-out-1.2169876
The above articles are intended for informational purposes only. AIA accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from reliance on information contained in the articles.