In the last 3 or more decades, man has spent less time in nature and more time in doors with technology. Similarly, stress levels and the pace of life have increased rapidly.
It was Richard Louv that coined the term ‘nature deficit disorder‘ which describes a form of suffering that comes from a sense of disconnection from nature and its natural restorative powers. In a world were the latest and fastest form of technology wins, the same can be said for our lives. They seem faster and more frantic than ever. We can’t seem to complete or accomplish things fast enough. This is why it’s important to stop, pop the gear in neutral and breathe.
Here at Uccello Designs, we’re all about helping to make people’s lives easier with our assistive living products. But what about when it comes to looking after body and soul? The Natural assistive technology – Nature!
Let’s Be Wild & Free:
Research on the mental health of corporate Australia has shone that near one third suffers from some for of mental illness. Of that one third:
- 36% were suffering from depression
- 33% were suffering from anxiety
- 31% were suffering from stress
We know that being outside and in the fresh air is good for us. It’s food for the soul and with how the world is right now and over the last few years, we could do with something good. In fact, research has shown that by just being in nature, living near it or even looking at a photo of it can have a positive impact on your brain, body, feelings and social interactions.
5 Benefits of Being Out in Nature
Stress relief
When you stress, there is more cortisol in your body ( the stress hormone). One of the best ways to reduce the level of cortisol in your body is to get your hear pumping. Getting outdoors and exercising could be the best way to do that. In fact while you are getting your heart pumping to reduce cortisol your body is busy producing dopamine (the feel good hormone) as a reward for exercise.
Studies have found that those who spend 2 nights in the forest had lower cortisol levels as well as heart rates than those who spent time in the city.
Improved short term memory
A study from the University of Michigan has proven just how amazing Mother Nature can be. In there study, subjects where split into 2 groups. One group went for a walk in nature while the other walked in the city. When they returned and performed a memory test, the group who walked out in nature performed 20% better.
Reduces inflammation
Sadly, inflammation is a part of life, we can’t escape it. It is also rears its head more and more as we age. On a positive note, there have been studies that involve a number of elderly patients being sent out for a week long trip into the forest. When they returned and where tested they showed signs of a reduction in inflammation as well as seeing a reduction in their high blood pressure.
Just imagine how calming it is to sit, enjoy a cuppa and watch the sun rise in the mornings. Hard to get stressed or annoyed about that huh?
Improves mental health
There have been countless studies over the years that have found nature walks was specifically associated with decreased levels of anxiety and bad moods. In fact, some in the medical industry have used nature as a supplement to existing treatments for major depressive disorders.
Aids the immune system
An interesting Japanese study has shown that women who spent 6 hours in the forest over a 48 hour period had increased their white blood cells. White blood cells are there to help you fight off infections and viruses like colds and flues.
Being out in nature can help you increase your bodies production of vitamin D – The sun is a natural source of vitamin D and this vitamin helps your body better absorb calcium which aids healthy bones, teeth and prevent osteoporosis.
Of course, there is nothing like getting back from the forest to a hot cup of tea, so why not use your indoor assistive technology and pop the Uccello Kettle on?
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