I have often cited the important role that trails play in overall health and well-being. And I have specifically discussed how trails seem to have an incredibly positive effect on mood and attitude.
But I also attributed a lot of that positive force to the healthful benefits of exercise. It turns out, I was only partially correct; and that's good news. Because if exercise was the only good aspect to trails, then people could get the same results by working out in a gym.
But a relatively new study out of the University of Rochester shows that being outdoors and surrounded by nature may play an even bigger role in the positive effects of trails on our mood.
The study was carefully conducted to neutralize the exercise-effect by comparing people who walked indoors with those who walked outdoors. It became fairly obvious that nature and the outdoors environment played a significant role in boosting people's morale. This is not to downplay other factors such as exercise and social interaction. Many studies have shown that these are also important factors in happiness and contentment. However, it would appear that Mother Nature may play the most significant role of all.
So when you're feeling down and need a quick pick-me-up, just hit the trail. You'll soon be feeling the effects of exercise, social stimulation, and, best of all, nature's own magic elixir.
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| For a quick dose of nature's medicine, find a nearby trail. |
But a relatively new study out of the University of Rochester shows that being outdoors and surrounded by nature may play an even bigger role in the positive effects of trails on our mood.
The study was carefully conducted to neutralize the exercise-effect by comparing people who walked indoors with those who walked outdoors. It became fairly obvious that nature and the outdoors environment played a significant role in boosting people's morale. This is not to downplay other factors such as exercise and social interaction. Many studies have shown that these are also important factors in happiness and contentment. However, it would appear that Mother Nature may play the most significant role of all.
So when you're feeling down and need a quick pick-me-up, just hit the trail. You'll soon be feeling the effects of exercise, social stimulation, and, best of all, nature's own magic elixir.
2 comments:
Kevin,
So correct. For me the outdoors is like a drug.It provides me with contentment with the serenity whenever I am in the right place.
When there one doesn't have to fast, just the pace that suits you. But, as I always say, we are the visitors here and,like when we go to someones home,we appreciate and respect it.
Another great post,
Barry.
Kevin,
So correct. For me the outdoors is like a drug.It provides me with contentment with the serenity whenever I am in the right place.
When there one doesn't have to fast, just the pace that suits you. But, as I always say, we are the visitors here and,like when we go to someones home,we appreciate and respect it.
Another great post,
Barry.
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