Nature (AKA
Vitamin N) is an ancient vitamin lacking in many of our lives. What is the
first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘nature’? Some may say a
forest, a sunset, animals or a meadow. When you picture it in your mind, what
type of feelings do you feel? Words often heard are calming, happy, inspired,
or serene.
In today’s
society, it is a busy life. The kids need to be fed, homework done, house to
clean and if you own your own business, you wear many hats that sometimes feel
ongoing without a break. The stress builds up to a point where you wonder if it
is all worth it.
What if there
was a way you could distress, take a break, take a beat, a breath and it
wouldn’t cost you a penny and it is all around you no matter where you are.
Sounds amazing
don’t it?
Well it is all
around you, we have just forgotten about it. It is nature. Spending time out in
nature has been proven to alleviate stress. William Bird, a professor at Oxford
University and Chief Health Advisor for Natural England talks about the flight
or fight reflex we encounter during a stressful situation. He says
“The fight or flight reflex is a normal response to stress caused by the
release of catecholamine’s (including adrenaline) and results in muscle
tension, raised blood pressure, faster pulse, diversion of blood away from the
skin to muscle and sweating. All of these factors help the body to cope with a
dangerous situation. However without rapid recovery this stress response would
cause damage and exhaustion with limited response to a repeat dangerous
situation.”
Taking a stroll
that exposes you to nature quiets the mind to a calmer relax state. The time
spent outdoors elevates the stress you may be feeling from anxiety, Seasonal
Affective Disorder (SAD) some feel this time of year or from the day to day
grind.
It isn’t just stress that a healthy dose of Vitamin N is
good for. Exposure to nature, be it through a stroll, looking at pictures,
sitting outside on a quiet street looking at a potted tree or laying down on a
blanket in a park, it increases the senses and higher work productivity. A study at the University of Michigan
demonstrated that after an hour of interaction with nature, memory performance
and attention spans improved by 20 percent. Another research showed a 5 per
cent boost in creativity for people who immersed themselves in nature for a few
days.
I encourage you all to spend time outside in nature;
whatever forms you can find and get your weekly dose of Vitamin N. You will be feeling
rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to take on the next task at hand and feel more
successful in all aspects.
About the author: Rhonda
Ursulak
Rhonda Ursulak is a
nature educator with Nature’s Backpack in the Halton Region.
Through her understanding and knowledge of the natural environment, she leads children
and families into the thrilling and unknown mysteries of nature. Through her
programs, children are offered various opportunities to learn about their
environment, move in it with ease, grow confident, increase social skills,
motor skills, balanced lifestyle and foster community connections.
