Stress is unfortunately a large part of our lives. One of the things many of us struggle with is how to relieve stress from our daily lives. One of the best things we can do to relieve stress, is also one of the simplest.

Stress affects us negatively, it cannot be denied. It’s been found to be one of the worst things for our body’s health. Often stress can be more detrimental to a person than unhealthy lifestyle habits. The stress we face today is different than the stress our ancestors faced. We’re not spending as much time running from bears as we are running to try and meet deadlines.

The difference is that running from a bear is a quick fight-or-flight response that only lasts for a short time. The mental stress of today’s world often leaves a person in perpetual flight-or-fight mode with no bear to run away from. It’s very taxing to our body’s health. So how to relieve stress caused by everyday life?

Get Into Nature

Nature. Nature is one of the best answers to the question of how to relieve stress. And it’s not just some “fluffy treehugger philosophy,” as some would be apt to label it. It has been scientifically shown that being in nature really does help relieve stress.

Scientists have yet to find a truly scientific answer to why being immersed in nature lowers a person’s stress, they only know that it does. They’ve done experiments having stressed out people either walk a city block, or walk in a nature setting and monitored their brain waves. The people who walked in nature had significantly lower levels of stress than those who just walked the city block.

Some theorize that it’s the sounds of nature that help a person deal with stress. Some believe it’s the colors and smells. Others believe it’s simply the energy field created by plants that relieve a person’s stress. Whatever it is, it works. A simple 20 minute walk in the woods can leave a person feeling much more relaxed and refreshed. It lowers a person’s stress and greatly increases their ability to focus and be ready to get back to writing that report or adding up those figures as work may demand.

Being In Nature Does More Than Just Relieve Stress

As an added benefit, spending time outdoors in nature has been shown to help prevent or decrease myopia (nearsightedness). The condition has been on the rise in recent years as more and more people find themselves indoors looking at papers and computer screens and for longer periods of time. Spending time outdoors gives a person’s eyes more exercise taking in the different textures, sunlight, and distances. And it’s good exercise for the body too.

So the next time you’re feeling frazzled and wondering how to relieve stress, try going for a walk in the woods, in the park, or by a stream and see what happens. Go barefoot if possible to really get nature’s energy connection. It may just help you relieve some of that tension and help protect your vision during the process.

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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is merely opinion. I am not a medical doctor or a scientist and this information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your own doctor for medical advice. The information on this website is intended for informational purposes only. The information on this website should not be used for treatment or medical diagnosis. Always seek professional medical advice from your doctor before beginning any new practices.

By Amber Reifsteck, The Woodland Elf

The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. If you choose to rely on the information on this website, you do so at your own risk and you assume responsibility for the results. (Full disclaimer here)

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