HEALTHY MIND

NATURE WALKS FOR A HEALTHY MIND

By Kristy Podruchny

Nature’s power and Participants who walked the the health benefits same amount of time in an urthat come with ban environment didn’t have the walking creates a same results. recipe for a happy Walks in nature can triumph and healthy mind. The National over urban strolls. Another Council on Aging reports that 1 study conducted by the Univerin 4 older adults experience de- sity of Michigan showed that pression, anxiety, and/or demen- participants had a 20 percent tia. Walks in nature pull us out increase in short term memory of our own minds and into the and attention scores after walks living world. We become pres- in nature; but no increase after ent in the moment and operate walks in the city. Even viewing at nature’s pace—this is crucial pictures or videos of nature has in our fast-paced society. When the power to increase memory we take time to watch a drop and attention. of rain on a rose petal or an ant Nature also inspires awe. climbing a branch, we slow life This feeling can come from down for a few minutes. watching a spectacular sunset

Rumination and urbanization or witnessing the grandeur of have both been linked to mental a bird gliding over treetops illnesses like depression and in the mountains. Awe offers anxiety. A 2015 study published the human brain more than a in PNAS found that a 90-min- temporary rush of endorphins. ute walk in nature decreased It helps us feel more connected rumination and activity in the with the world and each other. brain linked to mental illness.

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology notes that awe diminishes a sense of self, and helps us become aware of ourselves as part of a larger picture. This has the potential to make us more generous, grateful, charitable and improve our overall happiness.

Our brains thrive when we have a sense of community— this becomes critical as we get older. Nature walks can also bring some much-needed social time into your life. Human connection is another ingredient in the recipe for health and happiness. Think about joining or forming a hiking group for seniors. Going out birding or on a foraging adventure are great excuses to get out in nature and make new friends.