Monday, January 27, 2014

Outdoor living for your health

Minus 36 Celsius last week! Fresh!
The snowshoeing has been spectacular this year!

It's been extra cold and snowy and it's tempting to stay indoors more. But I wanted to share some research I discovered.

Recent studies show:


  • lower stress learning in nature vs classroom
  • viewing nature scenes reduces muscular tension and blood pressure
  • more parks = lower mortality
  • television and computers reduce cognitive performance
  • screen time reduces life expectancy
  • nature-based recreation is down 50% last 4 decades
Why?

Nature gives us:
  • aromatic chemicals - nature-derived chemicals provide emotional connection
  • sunlight - produces mood-regulationg seratonin, reduces depression
  • negative air ions - improved health and longevity
  • natural sounds - reduces stress, improves immune system and cognition

Some of my favourite things are:

  • DOGSLEDDING
  • Snowshoeing
  • Skiing (cross-country and skate skiing)
  • Walking the dog
  • Ice Fishing (only if the sun is out and can find a spot out of the wind)

What kinds of things do you like to do outside?

references: 
Your Brain on Nature, Selhub and Logan, 2012 Wiley
Last Child in the Woods, Louv, 2005, Algonquin
Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy

8 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sadly about the only time I venture outdoors is to mow the law. That tends to take all the fun out of the great outdoors. However, I do enjoy going to parks for nature hikes.

Jackie said...

to go back inside.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I love taking walks outside when it's warmer than this. Right now all I want to do is stay inside. I just wish it'd warm up to 30.

Mirka Breen said...

It's good, I suppose, to think about the positive. Just make sure your toes don't froze, as Winnie the Pooh would say.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

When I lived in Oregon and New Mexico, we were out enjoying the scenery every week. Arkansas and N Carolina where it's humid, not so much.

Leandra Wallace said...

I used to love fishing w/my grandpa. I'm hoping to take my little guy someday, but right now '2 years old' and 'fish hooks' strikes fear into my heart! =)When it gets warm, I take him to the playground and let him run around while I read.

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to say Ice Dogs is almost here!! Can't wait!

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